Cancer Screening

  • Cancer Screening

    • Women 21 years and older should get cervical cancer screening through getting a "Pap Smear" regularly. If you're 21-30 years old, you should get one every three years! If you're older than 30, we can test for the DNA of viruses that cause cervical cancer too so you only need a pap smear every 5 years.​

      • We stop screening after you have a hysterectomy (getting your uterus removed surgically) or after you turn 65, unless there are specific risks that your doctor will talk to you about.​

    • Women should get mammograms to check for breast cancer starting later in life. Some doctors say it should start at 40 years old, others say it should start at 50 years old. When you start, as well as how often you get it done (every year versus every other year) depends on your personal risk factors, and a conversation you should have with your doctor. This is a non-invasive test that uses x-rays to look for breast cancer.

      • While a change from what many women were taught previously, it has been shown that "self-examinations" do not prevent advanced cancer, and lead only to false-positive testing. Our screenings have advanced to the point where this is no longer necessary!​

    • Everyone, male and female, should get colon (large intestine) cancer screening once they get a little older. Traditionally this started at 50 years old, but recently more evidence has shown we should start at 45 years old, and so the guidelines changed in 2021.

      • Colonoscopy. This consists of you seeing a GI (Gastroenterologist) doctor who specializes in the 'gut.' You get scheduled for an appointment, prep your colon by taking some medicine, and go in to a center where they sedate you and use a camera to look for polyps (growths) in your colon.​

        • Pros: Effective, and if normal you can go 10 years in between screenings. It can also PREVENT cancer, instead of just catching cancer that has presented

        • Cons: The colon prep can be unpleasant the day before the procedure, and you need someone to drive you home after the test is performed.

      • "Card" Tests. Both FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Testing) and ColoGuard tests are available depending on your insurance. Your doctor gives you this card or mails it to you, and you follow the instructions on how to use a provided brush to put a piece of your bowel movement from home onto the card and mail it off to the lab.

        • Pros: Very convenient, no need for prep or to take time out of your schedule​

        • Cons: Must be done more often (yearly for FIT, every three years for Cologuard). If positive, you must also get a colonoscopy so the doctor can take a biopsy

    • Lastly, women should get screened for osteoporosis (weak bones) starting at 65 years old unless other risk factors are there. This is an x-ray that checks the density of your bones. If weak, your doctor may discuss starting medication to prevent bone loss. Weight-bearing exercise (walking, running, playing tennis) and eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D are the best ways to avoid this.