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3 Types of Cancer Screenings You Should Get as You Age
Getting that annual physical check-up is something everyone should do. It’s an easy way to help keep your health in check and detect the early signs of health issues before they become serious. But just because you get checked once a year doesn’t mean you have to stop. It’s never too early to get your cancer screenings. If you’re wondering what you should do to stay at the forefront of your health, here are some of the most common cancer screenings you should get as you age.
Breast Cancer
It’s always best to be aware of any changes in your breasts or nipples, especially if there has been a change in size, shape, feel, color, or discharge (from mastitis). Be sure to schedule these breast self-exams with your doctor at least every three months when your periods aren’t regular. According to the American Cancer Society, this can also serve as a reminder for women over 40 years old to perform their monthly breast self-exam by themselves outside of the doctor’s office. Breast cancer treatment options vary depending on how far advanced it is. Early detection usually leads to better outcomes. If you notice a lump, please see your physician immediately. Some symptoms may not show until later, such as lymph node involvement.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers
Gastrointestinal cancers are cancerous tumors located in the stomach, intestines, or pancreas. GI cancers are more common than other types of cancer, including pancreatic, liver, and esophageal cancers. They typically occur after 50 years of age. Although people generally don’t develop bowel cancer until well into adulthood, most people who will eventually develop colon cancer begin showing symptoms during middle age. Symptoms may include: abdominal pain or discomfort, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, weight loss, blood in your stool or black stools, nausea, vomiting, bloating, skin or anal irritation, fever, fatigue, urinary problems, or backache.
Gynecologic Cancers
Gynecologic cancers affect the reproductive organs in both men and women. These cancers include prostate, ovarian and are very common, and many are detected through routine examination. However, some gynecological cancers tend to grow slowly and appear similar to benign cysts, so they are often not diagnosed until they are advanced. A woman’s risk for ovarian cancer increases as she ages. Other cancers of the female reproductive system that you need to be aware of include: vulvar, vaginal, uterine cervical, and endometrial cancers. These cancers all require different levels of care, but they share several characteristics in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. For example, most of these cancers are treated primarily with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. There are ways to reduce your risk of developing these cancers or dying from them.
The sooner you decide to start getting your annual screening for certain conditions; the lower your chances are of being diagnosed with those diseases. While it’s good to be aware of your body and take time to look out for your wellbeing, don’t forget about your family members either. Whether they’re children, grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren, you can make sure that they live long, healthy lives! Remember that the earlier we catch a disease, the better the outcome will be. The bottom line is, if you’re worried about your current state of health, talk to your doctor today about whether you should be scheduled for one or multiple exams per year.
