Health Screenings

Gynecological cancer is any form of cancer that takes place in the female reproductive system. The most common is cervical cancer. Cervical cancer begins in the cells lining the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina.

There are two types of cervical cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinomas. Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common, with the American Cancer Society reporting 90% of cervical cancer diagnosis. These typically begin in the transformation zone, which is located where the exocervix joins the endocervix.

Types of Cervical Cancer Screenings

There are two tests to detect cervical cancer early. The HPV test and the Pap test. Both tests can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause cell changes on the cervix.

The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

How often should you get screened for cervical cancer?

Its recommended women begin Pap tests at the age of 21. Depending on the results, you may be able to wait three years until your next Pap test. According to the CDC, there are three recommendations for women 30 to 65 years old. Be sure to ask your doctor which testing option is right for you.

An HPV test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.

An HPV test along with the Pap test. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.

A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.

Women older than 65 may no longer need to have normal screening test results the age of 65, your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if you have had normal screening test results for several years and you have not had a cervical precancer in the past, or you have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.

The benefit of regular screening is to catch cancer before symptoms occur. When caught in its earlier stages, prostate cancer is more treatable.

This might make it seem like prostate screening is always a good thing, but there are some issues surrounding screening that make it unclear if the benefits outweigh the risks for most men.

To ensure screening is right for you, look at the risk factors to see if they apply to you and talk with your healthcare provider. The American Cancer Society recommends men make an informed decision with their health care provider on whether to be screened for prostate cancer and when is a good time to start screening.

Consider these ages and factors when determining the best time to start discussion about screening:

• Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years
• Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
• Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).

Learn more about the types of prostate cancer screenings by clicking HERE.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This month is a good time to encourage routine care and testing to detect early breast cancer.

Breast cancer forms in the cells of the breast. Although mostly found among women, there are some cases where it appears in men.

Symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A lump in the breast
• Change in size, shape and appearance of the breast
• Dimpling or changes to the skin over the breast
• Peeling or flaking of the skin surrounding the nipple (the areola)
• Redness or pitting of the skin over the breast

If you find a lump or other change in your breast — even if a recent mammogram was normal — don’t wait, make an appointment with your doctor.

The American Cancer Society recommends these tips about breast cancer screenings.

How often should I get a mammogram?

Women between the ages 50-74 years old are at average risk for breast cancer and can get a mammogram every two years.

It’s recommended women who are 40-49 years old should talk with their healthcare provider to discuss when they should start routine screenings and how often.

What are the different types of breast cancer screenings?

Mammogram

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. For many women, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. At this time, a mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer for most women of screening age.

Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A breast MRI uses magnets and radio waves to take pictures of the breast. Breast MRI is used along with mammograms to screen women who are at high risk for getting breast cancer. Because breast MRIs may appear abnormal even when there is no cancer, they are not used for women at average risk.

Other Exams

A clinical breast exam is an examination by a doctor or nurse, who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or other changes.

Breast Self-Awareness

Being familiar with how your breasts look and feel can help you notice symptoms such as lumps, pain, or changes in size that may be of concern. These could include changes found during a breast self-exam. You should report any changes that you notice to your doctor or health care provider.

Having a clinical breast exam or doing a breast self-exam has not been found to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.

Each year, there are 3.5 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States. As the most common cancer type, it is important to perform regular self-checks to catch any suspicious spots early. If caught soon enough, the treatment success increases significantly.

There are many types of skin cancer which can be more common in different areas of the body and may show up in a variety of forms. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is typically found on the head or neck and may first appear as a pale patch of skin or a waxy translucent bump. A telling sign is a blood vessel or indentation in the center of the bump. If the cancer spots develop on the chest, it appears similar to a brown colored scar or flesh-colored lesion. Watch for bleeding or oozing, this is a sign it is more developed.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma can also take the form of a lump on the skin. These are firm lumps and are rough on the surface, unlike basal cells which have a smooth and pearly appearance. This cancer type usually develops on the head, neck, hands or arms, but also may develop in other areas such as genital region or in scars or skin sores.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma appear as raised, flesh-colored moles that grow quickly. These are small tumors and typically appear on areas of the skin that are most exposed to the sun such as the face, neck or scalp.

What are the Signs of Skin Cancer?

Typically, skin cancer develop on exposed areas of the skin, making early detection more possible. It’s important to regularly examine your skin to catch any unusual changes to an existing mole or a suspicious growth.

Although skin cancer can develop in a variety of locations, and appear in different forms, there are common symptoms to look for when checking your skin for suspicious spots no matter the location. Here are some common signs of skin cancer to keep in mind:

• An unusual skin growth or sore that has not gone away
• Spots that are raised and/or bleed easily
• The size and shape of the spot changes over time

When performing a self-screen, remember to check less exposed areas of the body, as these can still develop skin cancer although less likely: underneath nails, on the palms of hands, soles of feet, genitals and the eyes.

If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your primary care provider or dermatologist about your concerns.