Stay Strong (8 pg)

More than one out  of three women will  develop cancer during their lifetime. Fortunately, at Main Street Hospital, we have both the diagnostic equipment and the screening tests that women need to detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Talk to your doctor about which screening tests are right for you.

Breast Cancer

Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. A mammogram can find cancer from one to three years before a woman can actually feel a lump. This early detection greatly improves the chances of a successful treatment.The American Cancer Society recommends that all women age 40 and older should have an annual screening mammogram, the only method of screening for breast cancer proven to save lives.

Cervical Cancer

The pap test can find abnormal cells in the cervix that may turn into cancer. Pap tests also can find cervical cancer early, when the chance of being cured is very high.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. Talk to your doctor about which screening option is best for you:

•Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years

• Colonoscopy every 10 years

• Double-contrast Barium Enema every 5 years

• CT Colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years

Lung Cancer

A yearly lung cancer screening using a low-dose CT-scan is recommended for women who have a history of heavy smoking, who smoke now or have only quit within the past 15 years, and are between 55 and 80 years old.

Uterine Cancer
a yearly endometrial biopsy should be considered
for women at high risk for
uterine cancer. Talk to your doctor to determine if this screening is right for you.

Cancer screening exams are also

Available for those with an increased risk for ovarian and skin cancers. Ask your doctor about whether you should have these screenings.

Act Your Age

The older we get, the greater our chances of being diagnosed with cancer. Reason enough to follow these recommended cancer screenings for each age group.

Ages 20 –29

• Clinical Breast Exam every one to three years to check for breast cancer.

• Liquid-based Pap Test every three years to check for cervical cancer, starting at age 21.

Ages 30 –39

• Clinical Breast Exam every one to three years to check for breast cancer.

• Liquid-based Pap Test and HPV Test every five years to check for cervical cancer.

Ages 40 – 49

• Mammogram and Clinical Breast Exam every year to check for breast cancer.
• Liquid-based Pap Test and HPV Test every five years to check for cervical cancer.
• Colonoscopy every 10 years or Virtual Colonoscopy every five years to check for colorectal cancer.

Ages 50 –75

• Mammogram and Clinical Breast Exam every year to check for breast cancer.
• Liquid-based Pap Test and HPV test every five years to check for cervical cancer. At age 65, women who have had normal Pap test results should not be tested unless they have a history of serious cervical pre-cancer. Talk to your doctor about your specific health history to determine your best screening schedule for cervical cancer.
• Colonoscopy every 10 years or Virtual Colonoscopy every five years to check for colorectal cancer.
If you’re age 76 to 85, your doctor can help you decide if you should continue screening.

Source: American Cancer Society

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