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When should you get screened for skin cancer?
You should get screened every 3 years beginning at age 20. After the age of 40, you should get screened yearly. -
How is skin cancer screening completed?
A skin biopsy removes a small sample of skin for testing. Finding cancer as early as possible is very important to stop spreading! The skin sample is then looked at under a microscope to check for any cancer cells. -
What is a Pap smear and when should you get screened? (Cervical HPV)
The HPV screening test can detect the presence of HPV, the virus that can cause cervical cancer, but cannot diagnose cancer. Women should begin having pap smears every 3 years from ages 21-29. Women between ages 30-65 should have a Pap smear & an HPV test every 5 years. -
BRCA 1 Gene Test- When should you get tested?
The BRCA test is often done by taking a blood sample. The sample is sent to the lab for analysis. This test will tell you if this gene is present- increases breast cancer risk. If there is family history, it is best to get tested in your early 20's. -
Mammograms- When should you start getting them?
Mammograms are a screening used to detect breast cancer. One breast is placed on a flat surface at a time and a picture will be taken with a low dose X-Ray machine. Women have the option of beginning mammograms at ages 40-44. At ages 45-54, it is highly recommended that they get one every year. 55+ can go every 2 years for screening. -
Colonoscopy- When should you get one?
A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect abnormalities in the colon/rectum. A long, flexible tube is used to insert the rectum and a tiny camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the colon. Colon cancer screenings should begin at age 45, if you have risk factors, begin earlier. -
LDCT Scan- When should you get screened for lung cancer?
The LDCT(low-dose computed tomography) scan is used to make detailed images of your lungs. It is painless, you lie down and an X-Ray machine takes the images. Adults ages 55-80 who have smoked or continue to smoke should definitely get screened, maybe even earlier if they began at a young age. If I was a smoker, which I do not plan to be, I would need to get screened in 2059.