As we age, it’s important to stay up to date on health screenings, including those to prevent certain cancers. If you’ve been reluctant to schedule a cancer screening visit with your OB/GYN, primary care physician, colorectal surgeon or urologist, rest assured: we’re making it safe to get back to taking care of your whole health.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment Can Save Your Life
Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about your cancer risk and the screening tests you need. While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, regular cancer screenings are important because early diagnosis offers a better chance for a cure in many cases. Your doctor will determine how often to screen for cancer based on your:
- Age
- Family health history
- Gender
- Genetic risks
- Personal health history
Annual Mammogram Screening
There aren’t any standard screening rules for young men. But for young women, screenings for both cervical and breast cancer are recommended.
Breast cancer screening involves a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast tissue. There are many differing opinions on when to start breast cancer screening, and screening guidelines vary from organization to organization. However, the general recommendation is that women begin annual mammograms at age 40.
It’s important to have a conversation with your doctor about the pros and cons of mammogram screening and the risks involved with these tests. Click here to find a physician at AdventHealth Dade City who can help answer your questions or concerns.
For Adults Over 50
When you reach age 50, many screenings are recommended for your protection, including colonoscopies and prostate specific antigen (PSA) screenings.
Colon cancer screening: Colonoscopies can find early signs of colorectal cancer and help stop the disease from developing altogether. That’s why the National Cancer Institute recommends regular colonoscopies for men and women age 50 to 75. How often you undergo screenings will depend on your personal and family health history.
To learn more about colonoscopies or to find out when the right time would be for you to schedule this screening, talk to your primary care physician or a specialist.
Prostate cancer screening: While there’s no standard screening guideline for prostate cancer, men age 50 and older should talk with their doctor about the risks and benefits of screening and whether they should be tested for signs of prostate cancer. A PSA screening measures the level of PSA (a substance made by the prostate) that’s found in the blood.
Urologists at AdventHealth Dade City can determine if you’re a good candidate for a PSA screening and answer any questions you may have.
Don’t Delay Your Screening
Speak with your primary care physician or a specialist about your concerns and questions regarding cancer screening and prevention. Together, you can find the right screening schedule for you, so you can maintain your health.
Research shows that cancer diagnoses are down nearly 50%, which could, in part, be caused by patients avoiding care and regular screenings during stay at home orders. Delayed diagnoses could lead to many more severe cases and deaths, “So please get in touch with your physician and resume regular screenings as soon as possible,” says AdventHealth primary care physician Danielle Albritton, DO.
If you have concerns about getting your screenings or other medical services right now, we want to assure you we’re doing everything possible to protect you, your loved ones and our staff and medical providers.
Some of our safety measures include:
- Patient grouping to ensure patients with COVID-19 are separate from patients and visitors
- Required use of face masks for every person in our facilities
- Social distancing to keep everyone 6 feet apart
- Strict visitor restrictions
- Temperature screening for all visitors at all entrances
Make an appointment to speak with a care provider and discuss your options so you can get back to caring for your whole health.
