Cancer Screening 101What All Adults Should Know

Donna L. Milavetz, MD, MPHOnSite Care Medical Director

Topics

• Women– Cervical Cancer– Breast Cancer– Colon Cancer– Skin Cancer

• Men– Testicular Cancer– Prostate Cancer– Colon Cancer– Skin Cancer

Cervical Cancer

• The Pap Test is the screening test of choice• All women age 18+ should be screened every

2-3 years • UT average 74% ( US: 81%, Target: 93%)• 2 cervical cancer vaccines are on the market

now• Can stop screening at age 65 or if a women

has had a hysterectomy

Breast Cancer

• Digital mammogram is the test of choice• Some controversy exists on if women should

begin screening at age 40.• All women age 50 or older should have annual

mammograms• UT: 66.4% (US: 75%, Target: 85%)• 60% of all breast cancers found on screening

are localized

Ovarian Cancer

• No screen tests for average risk population• Women with mother/sister with ovarian cancer or

BRCA 1 or 2 should be screened annually– CA-125– Vaginal Ultrasound

• What can you do to lower your risk?– Oral contraceptives – Pregnancy– Breastfeeding– Tubal ligation

Colon Cancer

• All adults age 50 and older should have a screening colonoscopy every 10 years

• High risk individuals need more frequent screening– Inflammatory bowel disease– First degree relative with colon cancer– Familial polyposis syndromes

• UT: 69% (US: 66%, Target: 80%)

UCAN has done an excellent job at education

Skin Cancer

• UT is in the “Melanoma Belt” of the country• Types: Squamous, Basal, Melanoma• No screening test, but using sunscreen and

practicing sun safety is CRITICAL!• Have all suspicious moles looked at• UT: 65% (Target: 80%) sun safety practices

ABCDs of Skin Cancer

• A: asymmetry• B: irregular borders• C: color• D: diameter of > 6 mm

Testicular Cancer

• Younger male cancer• Screening test is annual testicular

examination. Many testicular cancers present with a lump in the testicle

• Risk Factors– Family History– Undescended testicle– Caucasian

Who Should be Screened for Prostate Cancer

• Begin having a discussion with ALL men at age 50

Screening should begin at age 40-45 for the following groups• Black men• Men with a family history of prostate cancer

particularly in relatives younger than age 65• Men who are known or likely to have the BRCA1 or BRCA2

mutations

How Often and with what tests should a man be screened for Prostate Cancer?

Men should be screened: • every 2-4 years with a blood test for PSA only!• No need for digital rectal exam

Conclusion

• Many cancers are curable if detected early

• Following recommended screening tests do save lives

• Have an annual exam yearly: it’s a covered service!!!

Melanoma

Squamous Cell Cancer

Basal Cell Cancer