When it comes to protecting your health and preventing major health issues,
regular screenings play an important role. Getting the screenings recommended
for your age and sex can help make it more likely that if problems occur,
they are identified in an early, more treatable stage. That’s true
of many medical conditions, but it’s especially true of cancer.
Cancer is most effectively treated and eliminated when it is detected in
an early stage. In many cases, listening to your body and having potential
signs and symptoms of cancer checked out can lead to early diagnosis,
which in turn can lead to better outcomes.
It’s also important to have the routine screenings your doctor recommends.
These screenings can help uncover cancer before symptoms emerge when the
amount of cancerous tissue is small.
For example, long before you might experience
colorectal cancer symptoms, a doctor might uncover precancerous polyps on your colon and remove them
during a routine colonoscopy. Symptoms of colon cancer typically don’t
occur until after the cancer has advanced (when it might be more difficult
to treat).
The early detection of cancer through screenings also makes it less likely
that the cancer will have metastasized into other parts of the body.
Types of Diagnostic Screenings
Your doctor can advise you on the cancer screening tests recommended for
you based on your individual health, your family medical history, your
age and your sex. He or she will be guided by a list of screenings shown
to be effective in the early detection of types of cancer.
Altru Cancer Center offers a comprehensive spectrum of diagnostic testing
and screenings, including:
If cancer is detected through a screening, our team is here to guide you
into the next steps of your cancer journey. We will connect you with a
patient navigator and the medical providers who will walk beside you each
step of the way in your treatment.
Understanding Genetic Testing
Some types of cancer have a genetic component. That’s sometimes referred
to as a family history of cancer, but in some cases, you may not know
that a family member was affected.
If a type of cancer, such as breast cancer, runs in your family, it’s
important to take proactive steps to manage your health risks. This can
include making lifestyle changes, having regular checkups and undergoing
screenings earlier or more frequently. Your doctor may also recommend
that you undergo genetic testing.
Genetic testing is used to look for specific changes in a person’s
genetic makeup. In some cases, these genetic mutations can increase a
person’s risk of developing cancer—this occurs in up to 10%
of all cancer cases.
Patients at Altru Cancer Center can access
genetic testing for breast, ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancer. Our providers
will conduct a risk assessment to uncover genetic changes, which can be
used to help people understand their risks and offer guidance on steps
that may help prevent cancer.
Preventive Measures
Cancer Risk Assessment
Having a family history of cancer may mean that you are genetically predisposed
to cancer. However, this does not mean that you are certain to develop
cancer or pass it on to your children. Only about five to ten percent
of cancers are linked to inherited genetics. The Cancer Risk Assessment
will review your family and personal history of cancer and determine the
indication for genetic testing.
