In his monthly column, Dr. Kent Herbert answers your questions related to health care matters. Simply submit your question to deb@newfalconherald.com. It’s your chance to ask the doc.Question: What tests should I regularly have to check for cancer?Answer: For many people, the thought of cancer is frightening. Fortunately, for many types of cancer there are tests that can detect them early, leading to more successful treatment. Cancer in general is an abnormal growth of cells, usually resulting in a mass or lump. Depending on the location, however, these lumps may not be noticeable until the cancer has grown very large or has spread. Therefore, it is important to have screening tests done even if you are feeling well. The type of tests that are recommended and the frequency that they should be done are based on research and recommendations from experts.It is first important to determine your risk for cancer. To do this, one should determine whom in their family has had cancer, what kind of cancer they have or had and how old they were when they were diagnosed. It is also important to look at one’s own behaviors that may increase cancer risk, such as using tobacco products, using alcohol, eating a high-fat diet and being exposed to the sun. Depending on your age, family history, and risk factors; your doctor may recommend different screening tests for certain types of cancers.There are several screening tests that apply to everyone in a particular group. Women should begin performing breast self-exams at about age 20 and should have a clinical breast exam performed by a doctor every one to two years starting at age 30. In addition, women should begin having a mammogram every one to two years starting at age 40. However, women who are at a high risk for breast cancer, such as those with a family history, should begin these tests earlier.Women should also have regular pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. It is currently recommended that women have their first pap smear at age 18 or when they become sexually active, whichever is first, and continue until they have three normal tests in a row. After that, women should have a pap smear at least every three years. Women who have had a hysterectomy should discuss their need for pap smears with their doctor, as the recommendations vary depending on the type of hysterectomy and the reason it was done.Men should consider prostate screening at age 50. There is a lot of debate about whether all men or only certain groups of men should be tested for prostate cancer. The current recommendation is that all men should discuss their risk with their doctor and determine what is right for them. There are two types of prostate testing available: the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and the digital (rectal) exam. All men should perform regular testicular self-exams. This is to check for any lumps or other abnormalities that may indicate testicular cancer, and anything out of the ordinary should be reported to a doctor right away. Men should begin these exams as a teenager and continue until at least age 35.Of any screening test, screening for colon cancer has the strongest recommendation and is the most proven to save lives. This is typically done with a colonoscopy, where a small camera is used to look inside the colon or large intestines. This is typically done every five to 10 years starting at age 50. Certain people, however, such as those with a parent or sibling who has had colon cancer, may need a colonoscopy much earlier, even in their 20s.Many other types of cancer exist, such as thyroid, ovarian, kidney, and liver. While there are no well-established screening tests for the general population, those who are at high risk for these types should have individualized testing. The best idea is to schedule a comprehensive physical exam with your doctor, at which time an individualized screening plan can be developed. By doing so, you can be comfortable that you are doing all you can to detect cancer early.Dr. Kent HerbertBoard-Certified Family PhysicianFalcon Family Medicine7641 McLaughlin Rd.Falcon, CO 80831(719) 494-2006(719) 494-8448 faxwww.FalconFamilyMedicine.com
