In the fight against cancer, minority patients must become advocates for their own health. One in two African American men and one in three African American women will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. And, cancer ranks as the leading cause of death among both Hispanics and Asian Americans. A critical first step in protecting your own health is talking to your primary care provider about the cancer screening tests that are right for you, based upon your age, gender and risk factors.
Why Screen?
Screening tests allow you and your provider to find and stop cancers when they are at an early stage - before you feel any symptoms and when cancer is most successfully treated. Four tests are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are proven to save lives.
#1 Mammography
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently changed its recommendation for the start of mammography screening, suggesting that women can wait until 50 years of age to begin having mammograms. Other organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, now recommend annual screenings beginning at age 45. The best course of action is to discuss your screening plan with your health care provider, who knows your family history and risk factors. Mammography is an X-ray - and the best way to detect breast cancer early, even before a lump may be large enough to be noticeable or cause any symptoms. An annual clinical breast exam performed by your health care provider and regular self-exams can also help to identify changes in your breast tissue or lumps requiring follow-up.
#2 Pap Test
Pap tests, which collect and analyze cells from inside and around the cervix, are one of the most valuable screening tests for women and are recommended every three years for women between the ages of 21 to 65. The test is used to check for precancerous cells that could cause cervical cancer if untreated. A patient may also wish to undergo an HPV test during the same exam. This test screens for the human papillomavirus, which is a very common sexually transmitted infection that can cause these cells to change and become cancerous.
#3 Colonoscopy
Men and women over age 50 with average risk should seek regular screenings to prevent colorectal cancer. These screenings include tests that look for blood in the stool and flexible sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy, that checks for polyps or cancer in the colon and/or rectum. Stool tests should be done annually, sigmoidoscopies every three to five years and colonoscopies every 10 years until the age of 75, unless the patient's primary care provider counsels otherwise based on your family history and risk factors.
#4 Tomography
If you have a history of heavy smoking, even if you quit using tobacco as long as 15 years ago, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening can be a life-saver. Patients with a history of smoking who are between the ages of 55 and 80 should undergo the test annually.
Your Partner in Health
Your primary care provider should be your partner in health. If cancer screenings are already a regular part of your treatment plan, keep up the good work and spread the word to others. If screenings haven't been part of your care, it's time for a conversation with your provider. Learn about the screening tools most appropriate to your unique health history, take the time to screen for cancers and know that these lifesaving tools can help you win the fight against cancer before it starts.