Many cancers, if caught early enough, are treatable and sometimes curable. That’s why most months are dedicated to raising awareness of specific types of cancer. For example, during the month of October many people will be wearing pink for breast cancer awareness. September’s awareness of Ovarian and Prostate cancers however are not as well known. Unfortunately, neither of these cancers show symptoms in early stages leading to a much later discovery resulting in fewer effective treatment options. In light of all this, emphasis on the importance of routine health checkups with your healthcare provider and the importance of regular cancer screenings cannot be stressed enough.
As we age, our bodies change and sometimes those changes can place us at higher risk for some cancers or other health conditions. Seeing healthcare providers for regular well visits (not just when you aren’t feeling well) is one way providers identify what cancer and other health screenings you may need. That your providers prescribe screenings doesn’t mean you have cancer, it is simply a means of finding it before it advances too far. Routine cancer screenings are one of the best ways to detect cancer in the early stages—before symptoms appear.
Screenings look different based on the type of cancer it is but all of them are looking for cancerous cells or growths that could be developing before a person has any symptoms. When screenings are performed and something comes back abnormal, then a provider can send that person for additional diagnostic testing. An example would be a lump showing up on a mammogram for a woman. The provider can then send her for additional testing to determine what the lump is. There are multiple other examples and while it can be scary to learn your body has an abnormality, it also can be a way to stop a problem before it gets further advanced.
Why Screening is Important
Ovarian and prostate cancers are both examples of cancers that are difficult to detect without screenings and testing. This is because by the time a person experiences symptoms of these types of cancer, it is likely far advanced. Unfortunately, only 20% of ovarian cancer is found early. Survival rates range from about 30% if advanced/metastasized to an almost a 94% chance that a woman will live longer after early diagnosis. This is great news and proof that screening for cancer can help to identify and treat cancer early on. It’s important to note that not all screenings are the same and some come with their own risks. This is why it’s vital you speak to your provider before symptoms appear to decide if the screenings are right for you.
Below are some facts about ovarian and prostate cancer that are important to know as well as links to sites with further information. We hope you will review them and share this important information with your friends and family and speak to your own provider about what cancer screenings are necessary and right for you.
Facts | Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is ranked 5th in cancer-related deaths in women. It can be found in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum when malignant or cancerous cells are present.
As mentioned above, it can be difficult to diagnose before symptoms occur; however, if found through screenings, 94% of patients live longer.
Main risk factors for ovarian cancer can include a family history and presence of some inherited genes in our DNA.
Facts | Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common nonskin cancer found in men in America. While typically treatable, it does account for more deaths in men than any other cancer except lung cancer.
Malignant or cancerous cells form in the tissues of the prostate. There is not one standard way we screen for prostate cancer but rather a few different ways.
Screening for Prostate Cancer
Digital rectal exam- this is a physical exam performed on men at a certain age.
Prostate-specific antigen test- this is a blood test that a provider orders to be drawn on men of a certain age.
