Top 4 Screenings That Should be In your Radar.

Many of the lives lost to cancer each year could’ve been saved through earlier detection. Going for screening on a regular basis helps with early detection,  which helps with starting with early treatment.

Cancer, unlike many perceive it is not a death sentence and just like every other disease it can be treated and cured, but this is only possible if detected early.

Here are some of the top 4 screenings that you should go for on a regular basis:

1. Breast cancer

Women ages 35 years old and above who are at increased risk for breast cancer and should be offered the choice to start an annual mammogram.

While there is no age maximum for a mammogram, women should discuss with their doctor what screening is best for them after age 54.

2. Cervical cancer

All women should begin cervical cancer screening at the age of 21.

Between 21 and 29, screens should be conducted with a Pap smear every three years.

Starting at age 30 and continuing all the way up to 65 years old, in addition to a Pap smear every 5 years, women should also have an HPV test.

3. Lung cancer

Lung cancer kills more people than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

Screening for lung cancer involves a low-dose CAT scan of the chest for people who are known to be at higher risk of developing the disease.

Recommendations are to screen people (men and women) who are 55 to 74 years old, and who currently smoke or have smoked in the past, but quit in the last 15 years.

4. Colon cancer

Screening for colon cancer not only detects cancer early, but by removing polyps, which can turn into cancer, the screening can actually prevent cancer.

“This is the only cancer screening that can do this,” Guerra said.

Recommendations for colon cancer screening changed earlier this year.

Previously, the ACS stated that anyone over 50 years old should start screening with colonoscopy or a stool-based test. The new guidelines lowered the age to 45 years old.

Your healthcare provider will also determine how often to screen, but generally, screening is performed once every 10 years with a colonoscopy. If no polyps are found, then screening may continue in intervals of 3 or 5 years.

Remember, prevention is better than cure.  Get screened, save your life.

Also, do not forget to share the knowledge with your friends and family. Be a #cancersoldier.