Get ahead of the game. Early detection and prevention are your first defense against cancer and genetic diseases. Varieties of cancer screenings include mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, Pap test for cervical cancer, CAT scan for lung cancer , Digital rectal examination (DRE) for prostate cancer and a general physical exam can help diagnose skin or head and neck cancer.
Checking patients for cancer without visible symptoms is called Cancer Screening. This process enables doctors to detect and treat several types of cancer early, which makes it easier and more effective to treat. To know if Cancer Screening is for you, consult one of our primary care physicians for more information.
Going in for a cancer screening can be a stressful experience, and too often fear of a negative result may discourage some patients from making the appointment at all. Try to bear in mind that most cancer screenings come back normal and, should something abnormal appear in your screening, spotting it early will give you the most possible treatment options going forward.
In the United States, more than 1.5 million people are diagnosed with some kind of cancer every year, with the most common types including skin, lung, prostate, and breast cancer. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is never good news, but catching the warning signs early on will leave you with the most available treatment options and the best possible chance of beating the disease. Since cancer may be present without the appearance of any noticeable symptoms, it’s important to get regular screenings to give yourself the best chance of early detection.
Different screenings are used to detect different types of cancer. A simple X-ray imaging test may reveal abnormal masses and tumors. A blood protein test, tumor marker test, or complete blood count (CBC) can help identify irregularities that may indicate blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia. Keep in mind that unusual test results do not necessarily indicate cancer, and that cancer may also be present even if initial blood test results appear normal.
Blood testing alone or X-ray imaging alone cannot produce a specific diagnosis. If the results of initial testing raise any red flags for your physician, more testing may be necessary. A biopsy is performed by removing sample cells from suspicious tissue. The sample is then sent to a lab to be analyzed for cancerous cells. If cancerous cells are found, testing can determine where the cancer originated and how aggressive it is. Biopsy results are usually available within a few days after tissue is removed.
There are minimal risks to getting screened for cancer. False-positive test results can occur, causing a great deal of unnecessary stress and anxiety, but follow-up testing will usually produce more accurate results. Catching cancers early on is your best bet for receiving successful treatment.
Colonoscopies and endoscopies are also among the services we provide. Our expert gastroenterologists are experienced and qualified to perform these exams to help identify the signs and symptoms of colon cancer.
