27/10/2013 Cancer Screening -- Dr. Herman FrankenCancer screening and early diagnosis remains the most useful weapon in the fight against cancer as it can have a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality associated with this dreaded diagnosis. The following is a list of common cancers and screening methods used as well as appropriate ages to commence screening. Please ask your doctor to assist you if one of these is applicable to your current life stage. Cervical cancer: - PAP-smears should be initiated 3 years after first vaginal intercourse but not later than 21 years of age. - After this a PAP-smear should be done every 2 years if your doctor/pathology lab is using liquid-based cytology methods. Breast cancer: - A clinical breast exam should be performed annually as part of your yearly check-up from the age of 20. -Yearly mammogram should be done from the age of 40. -In high risk individuals with a very prominent family history screening with mammogram or MRI can be started as early as 30. Prostate cancer: - The prostate should be examined by digital rectal examination as well as a yearly blood test (PSA) from the age of 50; people with a strong family history should be screened from age 45. Colo-rectal cancer (Cancer involving the colon and/or rectum): - A routine colonoscopy should be performed at age 50. -A flexible sigmoidoscopy can then be performed every 5 years or a colonoscopy every 10 years. -A faecal occult blood test can be performed annually. -If any of your first degree relatives have been diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer routine testing should be started at age 40. Skin cancer: -Please ask your doctor to routinely have a look at any skin lesion that is worrying you, he will then asses for asymmetry, the border, the colour and the diameter and will advise you based on this assessment. Comments are closed.
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Authors:These articles are written by the doctors of New Street Surgery on a variety of topics. |