April is National Cancer Control Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the power we have to reduce our cancer risk and catch the disease when it is most treatable. At AO Multispecialty Clinic, we believe that the best way to fight cancer is to stop it before it starts, or find it at its earliest, most curable stages.
Research suggests that up to 50% of cancer cases are preventable through lifestyle changes, vaccinations, and timely screenings. The goal of cancer screening is to find changes in the body before they become cancerous or to find cancer at a very early stage before symptoms appear. When detected early treatment is often less invasive, survival rates are significantly higher, and most patients have more treatment options available to them. In this month’s blog, we’re sharing the essential tips and age-based guidelines you need to take charge of your health.
Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age
Staying on top of your health means knowing which tests you need and when. While these general guidelines apply to most people, those with a family history or specific risk factors should speak with their primary care provider about an individualized screening plan.
| Cancer Type | Age to Start | Frequency & Test Type |
|---|---|---|
| Breast Cancer | 40-45 | Annual mammograms (earlier if high risk). |
| Cervical Cancer | 21 | Pap test every 3 years; HPV/Pap co-test every 5 years (ages 30-65). |
| Colorectal Cancer | 45 | Colonoscopy every 10 years or annual stool-based tests. |
| Prostate Cancer | 45-50 | PSA blood test and exam; talk to your PCP about benefits/risks. |
| Lung Cancer | 50 | Annual low-dose CT for those with a heavy smoking history. |
| Skin Cancer | All ages | Monthly self-exams and annual professional skin checks. |
5 Tips for a Successful Screening
Regardless of the type of screening you are attending, these five steps will help you get the most out of your appointment:
- Be Your Own Historian: Before your visit, gather details about your family’s medical history. Knowing if a close relative had cancer and at what age, helps your doctor determine if you need to start screenings earlier than the standard age.
- Clear the Calendar: Schedule your screenings for a day when you aren’t rushed. Some tests require recovery time or a specific diet leading up to the appointment. Giving yourself a “buffer” day reduces stress and ensures you can follow all instructions.
- Dress for the Occasion: Wear comfortable, two-piece clothing. Many screenings require you to change into a gown or move into different positions. Avoiding one-piece outfits (like dresses, rompers or jumpsuits) or clothing with lots of metal or zippers makes the process smoother.
- Ask for a “Walkthrough”: If you feel anxious, ask your provider to explain exactly what they are doing before they do it. Understanding the “why” behind each step can significantly reduce anxiety and help you feel in control.
- Don’t Wait for Symptoms: This is the most important tip of all. Screenings are designed for people who feel perfectly fine. If you wait until you have pain, a lump, or a change in habits, the cancer may have already progressed.
What to Expect During Your Screening
It’s normal to feel a little nervous about a medical test. Knowing the “how” can help ease those nerves. Most screenings fall into one of three categories:
- Imaging Tests (Mammograms, CT Scans, X-rays)
These tests are non-invasive and usually very quick. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds or stay very still while a machine takes pictures of your internal tissues. At AO Multispecialty Clinic, our onsite radiology team uses state-of-the-art equipment designed for both accuracy and patient comfort. - Physical Exams & Swabs (Pap Tests, Skin Checks)
These are performed in a standard exam room. Your provider will visually inspect specific areas of the body or take a small sample of cells using a swab. While these can sometimes be slightly uncomfortable or feel like a “pinch,” they are typically over in less than a minute. - Laboratory Tests (Blood Work or Stool Samples)
Many cancers can be flagged through simple blood tests (like the PSA for prostate cancer). These involve a quick needle stick and a few tubes of blood. Other tests, like those for colorectal cancer, might involve a kit you take home to collect a sample in private before returning it to the lab.
Prevention Beyond Screenings
While screenings find cancer, lifestyle choices can help prevent it. You can lower your risk today by:
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Avoiding Tobacco: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths.
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Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Obesity is linked to several types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer.
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Protecting Your Skin: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and avoid tanning beds.
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Getting Vaccinated: The HPV vaccine can prevent several types of cancer, and the Hepatitis B vaccine reduces liver cancer risk.
Take Control of Your Health Today
Early detection starts with a conversation. We encourage you to reach out to your Primary Care Provider today to discuss which screenings are right for you based on your age and risk factors. Staying proactive with your PCP is the first line of defense in cancer prevention.
If a screening ever reveals a concern, AO Multispecialty Clinic is here for you. We provide the expert, board-certified oncological care and advanced treatment options you need, right here in your community. If your journey requires a specialist, ask your doctor for a referral to AO Multispecialty Clinic.
Learn more about our specialists. Visit aomsc.com to explore our oncology services and meet our team.
