Cancer Screenings: Do It for Those You Love!

Date: Jun 11, 2021

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and around the world. Locally, nearly 70,000 new cases of cancer are reported each year in Ohio. Although its impact is significant, many types of cancer can be treated or prevented if early signs are detected. This is why it is important for men, women and anyone at risk to get regular screenings, especially as they get older.

The five most common types of cancer are breast, lung, colorectal, prostate and skin cancer. These cancers are also considered some of the more preventable cancers if detected early.

Cancer type	Quick Facts	Screening test	When?
Breast	Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women next to skin cancer. It is estimated 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.	Mammogram – Adena offers Digital Breast Tomosynthesis which is a 3D x-ray image of the breast.	The American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) recommendsannual mammographic screening beginning at age 40 for women of average risk. Screenings should continue annually as long as you are in good health. Higher-risk women should start mammographic screening earlier and may benefit from supplemental screening modalities. Contact your provider to determine your risk of breast cancer.
Lung	Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. But if caught in its earliest stages, there is a 4 in 5 chance for a cure.	Lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT)	Annual LDCT screening is recommended for patients 50-80 who have a 20-pack year smoking history who currently smoke or who have quit smoking in the last 15 years, or as recommended by physician.
Colorectal	Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women.	Colonoscopy	Starting at age 45, patients should get screened every 10 years, unless they have family or personal history of colorectal cancer or have history of polyps or are advised differently by their physician.
Prostate	Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. About 6 cases in 10 are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older.	Prostate exam using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test	Men ages 45-49 should have a baseline PSA test. If the PSA level is 3 ng / mL or higher, men should talk with their doctor about having a prostate biopsy. If PSA level is between 1 and 3 ng / mL, men should see their doctor for another PSA test every two to four years or if advised differently by physician.
Skin	1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Two people die of skin cancer every hour in the U.S. regardless of skin color.	Skin Cancer	Patients should start getting screened for skin cancer in their 20s-30s – possibly earlier if they have family history, are in the sun a lot or have moles. Check with your doctor on recommendations.

General risk factors for cancer are older age, personal or family history of cancer, tobacco use, obesity, alcohol, certain types of viral infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), exposure to specific chemicals, radiation or ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is best to discuss all risk factors and any that apply to you with your Adena Primary Care Provider. They will guide you through needed screenings and help you make healthy lifestyle choices to potentially reduce risks. To help you determine risk concerns, Adena offers convenient online health risk assessment tools you can access from the convenience of your computer or mobile device.

In addition to our online assessment tools, and in-office guidance and screenings, Adena also helps patients by providing free annual lung cancer screenings and free mammograms for underinsured or noninsured women in Ross and several other surrounding counties who meet specific age requirements. Adena wants patients to realize the importance of regular screenings and that early detection can save lives. If you don’t get screenings for yourself, do it for the ones you love!

Ask your Adena Primary Care Provider about scheduling your next screening, find a physician by calling 740-779-FIND (3463) or visit Adena.org/findout to use the Adena online health assessment tools and learn more about cancer and early detection.