Cancer Screenings Help Save Lives
 It's no secret that cancer is unpredictable – all types of cancers may develop slowly or rapidly, and in many cases unexpectedly. However, cancer detected in its earliest stages has the best chance for successful treatment. Your best protection is to identify your risk, follow screening recommendations and take steps to improve your overall health.
Breast Cancer
Early detection can help beat breast cancer, and nothing beats that. Women have a 97% chance of surviving at least five years when cancer is caught before it spreads.* The mammogram is a powerful tool in finding breast cancer before symptoms occur, and that's why women in their 40s and older are encouraged to have an annual mammogram and clinical breast examination. It's also important to be aware of breast abnormalities and changes, and discuss them with your health care provider. At-risk women of all ages may want to discuss screening with their health care providers and consider beginning screening before age 40.
Colorectal Cancer
Only 38% of colorectal cancers are found early, but colorectal screening may save your life and change this statistic for the better. The five-year survival rate is 90% if the cancer is caught and treated at an early stage.* People age 50 or older, those at higher-than-average risk or who exhibit symptoms such as blood in the stool or a change in bowel habits should be screened regularly for colorectal cancer.
Tests include digital rectal exam (physical check of rectum for abnormal areas), fecal occult blood test (detects tiny amounts of blood in the stool), barium enema (a series of X-rays of the colon and rectum), sigmoidoscopy (a lighted tube is inserted to view rectum and lower colon), colonoscopy (a longer tube is inserted to view entire colon) and virtual colonoscopy (computed tomography is used to scan the colon and rectum). Your health care provider may suggest one or more of these tests.
Cervical Cancer
Decades ago, cervical cancer was a common cause of cancer death in women, but today the Pap test has led to significant improvement in early detection. The Pap test involves collecting cells from the cervix to be examined under a microscope. Women age 18 and older, and younger women who are sexually active should consider having a pelvic examination. The Pap test is recommended at least every three years (after three consecutive annual normal tests).
Prostate Cancer
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 230,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005. If caught early, survival rates are 90% or better.* Prostate cancer screening is recommended for men over age 50, but men considered high-risk may want to begin yearly screenings for prostate cancer after age 40. A prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is a simple blood test that can help save lives by detecting cancer at an early, potentially curable stage.
Skin Cancer
The number of new cases of melanoma skin cancer in the United States is rising – the American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 62,000 new cases in 2006. A monthly self-exam of your skin can help you detect changes that may be early signs of skin cancer. Consult your doctor if a mole or blemish changes significantly in color or shape, increases in height or size or varies in texture. People ages 18 to 39 should consider getting a skin cancer check by a doctor every three years; those older than 40 should be checked every year.
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