2-16-10

Cancer Screenings

Deaths from the major types of cancer have declined in recent years, primarily because more people are being screened.     

Cancer deaths are declining, yet many more lives could be saved if more people took advantage of the various cancer screenings offered.  Finding cancers in an early stage improves the likelihood of successful treatment and cure, says Dr. Steven Wittmer, assistant professor of internal medicine at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.  He explains some cancer screenings.

SOUND BITE:  “The most common cancer screenings are screenings for cervical cancer.  And that’s by virtue of the Pap smear.  Mammography to screen for breast cancer, prostate specific antigen blood testing for males for screening for prostate cancer for males coupled with an examination of the prostate gland, and colonoscopy to screen for cancers of the colon and rectum.”

Dr. Wittmer says women should start getting Pap smear screenings after the time they become sexually active.  Mammograms should begin at age 40 and continue with annual screenings until they are in their seventies.   Both men and women should be screened for colon cancer at age 50.  He recommends two cancer screenings for men.

SOUND BITE:  “. . . the most important screening would be screening for prostate cancer.  There is developing consensus that should start probably at age 40.  And then be repeated every year or two. In younger men  . . . between ages 18 to 35 or 40, I would recommend a yearly physical exam and or self exam for testicular cancer.”

Dr. Wittmer says even through more cancers are being found early, many people do not get the screenings they need.  He encourages people to take advantage of screening opportunities through their family physicians or community programs offered by county health departments or local hospitals.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.