The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that a little over 1.9 million people have been diagnosed with cancer in 2023 — and more than 609,820 will die. To help reduce cancer deaths, the ACS recommends a wide range of cancer screenings to promote early detection over your lifetime. While some screenings are specifically for men or women, others are for everyone.
Why Early Detection Matters
Early diagnosis of cancer focuses on detecting symptomatic patients as early as possible, so they have the best chance for successful treatment. The problem is many cancers may not cause symptoms in early-stage disease, and by the time they’ve progressed to cause symptoms, they may have developed into late-stage or metastasized. When cancer care is delayed or inaccessible there is a lower chance of survival, greater problems associated with treatment, and higher costs of care. Early diagnosis improves cancer outcomes by providing care at the earliest possible stage.
The key to early diagnosis is detection and regular screening. Screening tests are used to find cancer before a person has any symptoms. Screening can often help find and treat pre-cancers and cancers early, before they have a chance to spread, especially for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers.
Cancer screening may include a physical examination by a health care provider, an X-ray, or a laboratory test. In many cases, a mix of methods — such as clinical breast exam and mammography — is recommended.
Age Is Not a Limiting Factor
Risk for cancer tends to increase with age and most routine cancer screenings occur later in life. However, certain cancers are more common among young adults, such as lymphomas, melanoma, breast, testicular, thyroid, and colorectal cancer, and other factors that may put a person at risk earlier in life. Because cancer risk varies person to person it’s important to talk with your provider about your risk and what screenings are recommended for your care.
Some reasons you may need to screen for cancers even earlier than the regular standard recommended starting ages include:
– Personal history of cancer.
– Family history of cancer. Talk to your family about their cancer history.
– Genetic risk factors for certain cancers. Your provider may recommend genetic testing to learn about your genetic risk for certain cancers.
– History of radiation treatment for previous cancers.
– Other risk factors for specific cancers. For example, colon polyps may increase your risk of colorectal cancer.
Family History Paints a Full Picture
Take your time filling out personal and family medical history forms. Talk to your family members about their health histories. This information helps your provider know about your history and health conditions that may increase your cancer risk, and it can help them determine what screenings and other medical tests you need.
The bottom line: Early detection of cancer can save many lives. Don’t delay, start the conversation today. Don’t put off your routine provider appointments and exams as these are perfect opportunities to be proactive in your health prevention journey.
No Matter Age, Early Detection Key for Cancer Care
Abdalla M. Sholi, M.D., regional medical director
Medical Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Abdalla Sholi, M.D., is the medical director of Medical Oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers in Coudersport, Wellsboro and Williamsport. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is one of the largest integrated cancer networks in the U.S. To learn more, visit UPMC.com/CancerNCPA.
