YOUR CANCER SCREENING CHECKLIST

Early detection is a powerful weapon in the fiht against cancer. Cancers may develop slowly or rapidly, and sometimes without any noticeable symptoms. Make sure to see your primary care provider (PCP) annually so you stay up to date on your screenings.

“When cancer is found early, the chance is better for effective treatment,” said Dr. Nabeel Shalan, board-certifid hematologistoncologist with Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at Sugar Land. “It is important to stay up to date with cancer screening tests.”

Cervical Cancer

To check for cervical cancer, a gynecologist will perform a pelvic exam, checking the vaginal and cervical walls for abnormalities. A sample of cells may be taken from the cervix area for a Pap test or lab culture. The uterus and ovaries are examined for enlargement or other abnormalities.

High-risk factors for cervical cancer include:

■ Human immunodeficiecy virus (HIV)

■ Human papillomavirus (HPV)

■ Immune deficiecy

■ Multiple sex partners

■ S exual activity before age 18

■ Smoking

According to Shalan, women age 21-29 should have a Pap test alone every three years. HPV testing alone can be considered for women who are 25-29, but Pap tests are preferred. Women age 30-65 have three options for testing — both a Pap test and HPV test every five years, a Pap test alone every three years or HPV testing alone ever y five years. “After 65, your doctor will decide how often these tests need to be taken,” he noted. “It may all depend on your history of abnormal results.”

Colon And Rectal Cancer

Doctors can perform at least three tests to check for colon and rectal cancers. A colonoscopy examines the inside of the colon and rectum for bleeding, polyps or cancer. A flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the inside of the rectum and part of the lower colon (sigmoid colon) for the same things. Both tests use a colonoscope (lighted camera tube) and a biopsy of an abnormality is collected for lab testing during the outpatient procedure. Also, fecal blood tests look for blood in samples of a patient’s stool.

T he high-risk factors for colon and rectal cancer include:

■ A frican American men and women

■ Family or personal history of polyps, colorectal or uterine cancers

■ Individuals 50 years and over

■ Obesity

■ Personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease

■ Smoking

For tho se with any high-risk factors, talk with your doctor about when to begin screening and how frequently. “Colorectal cancer rates are rising among younger adults,” said Shalan. “Routine screening should begin by age 45 and then in consultation with your doctor after age 75.”

R egardless of age, it is very important to see your doctor if you develop symptoms, such as abdominal pain, anemia, bowel habit changes, rectal bleeding or unintentional weight loss.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can be found during an oral exam to identify mouth abnormalities. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and smoking are all high-risk factors for oral cancer. Doctors recommend an annual oral exam by at least the age of 18 and once a year.

Skin Cancer

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and American Cancer Society (ACS) no longer recommend regular skin examinations unless you have a history of skin cancer.

High-risk factors for skin cancer include:

■ Fair skin, particularly those with red or blonde hair

■ Family or personal history of melanoma

■ Unprotected or excessive UV light exposure (sunlight/tanning booths)

The signs and symptoms of skin cancer include:

■ A change in a skin spot, mole or growth, such as size, color, darkening or bleeding

■ Increased sensation, itchiness, tenderness or pain

■ New spots or growths that change and grow over time

The American Cancer Society recommends lowering your skin cancer risk by following the motto: SLIP! SLOP! SLAP! AND WRAP!*

■ Slip on a shirt. Cover up with protective clothing.

■ Slop on sunscreen. Use a sun protection factor of 30+ at least 30 minutes before exposure and every two hours during outdoor activities.

■ Slap on a hat. Cover your head and neck with a widebrimmed hat.

■ Wrap on sunglasses. Use eyewear with 100% UVA and UVB absorption. •

*Source: American Cancer Society, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.