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Liberty Woman Credits Early Cancer Screening For Saving Her Life
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Detecting cancer early can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.
The American Cancer Society says Missouri will see more than 39,000 new cancer cases in 2024; Kansas will see a little more than 16,500.
The White House has deemed April as "National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month," a time to honor the courage and strength of the millions of Americans facing the disease today and the millions of survivors.
"I always say, 'I just turn the page.' It's not a new normal, it's a new chapter. I wouldn't be here if it had not been for early detection," cancer survivor Karen North of Liberty told FOX4. "Diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2014, then cervical cancer in 2015, she's very vocal when it comes to people going in for routine screenings. "I was getting mammograms for six months for a number of years prior to when I absolutely needed to." She's doing good now; all of her tests come up as "no evidence of disease."
Nurse practitioner Stephanie Korth, who works at University Health and specializes in breast health, said the earlier cancer is detected the more options you'll have in terms of treatment.
"If you find cancer at a later stage you have a lot more risks associated. It's usually more difficult to treat and it can also spread through your body," she said.
She did not treat North but does help other women in the area. In terms of breast cancer, she explained that "we're seeing a lot more people diagnosed with breast cancer in particular, and that's because they're finally starting to get back into their screening mammograms."
The American Cancer Society has a full list of screening guidelines aimed at early detection. Below are their recommendations to help guide you when you talk to your doctor about screening for certain cancers.
Breast cancerWomen should also know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast changes to a health care provider right away.
Some women – because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors – should be screened with MRIs along with mammograms. (The number of women who fall into this category is very small.) Talk with a health care provider about your risk for breast cancer and the best screening plan for you.
Colon and rectal cancer and polypsFor people at average risk for colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends starting regular screening at age 45. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person's stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam). Talk to your health care provider about which tests might be good options for you, and to your insurance provider about your coverage. No matter which test you choose, the most important thing is to get screened.
If you're in good health, you should continue regular screening through age 75.
For people ages 76 through 85, talk with your health care provider about whether continuing to get screened is right for you. When deciding, take into account your own preferences, overall health, and past screening history.
People over 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.
If you choose to be screened with a test other than colonoscopy, any abnormal test result needs to be followed up with a colonoscopy.
Cervical cancer(*A primary HPV test is an HPV test that is done by itself for screening. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved certain tests to be primary HPV tests.)
The most important thing to remember is to get screened regularly, no matter which test you get.
Once testing is stopped, it should not be started again. Those with a history of a serious cervical pre-cancer should continue to be tested for at least 25 years after that diagnosis, even if testing goes past age 65.
Some individuals – because of their health history (HIV infection, organ transplant, DES exposure, etc.) – may need a different screening schedule for cervical cancer. Talk to a health care provider about your history.
Endometrial cancerThe American Cancer Society recommends that at the time of menopause, all women should be told about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Women should report any unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting to their doctors.
Some women – because of their history – may need to consider having a yearly endometrial biopsy. Please talk with a health care provider about your history.
Lung cancerThe American Cancer Society recommends yearly screening for lung cancer with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan for people ages 50 to 80 who:
AND
A pack-year is equal to smoking 1 pack (or about 20 cigarettes) per day for a year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking 1 pack a day for 20 years, or by smoking 2 packs a day for 10 years.
Before deciding to be screened, people should have a discussion with a healthcare professional about the purpose of screening and how it is done, as well as the benefits, limits, and possible harms of screening.
People who still smoke should be counseled about quitting and offered interventions and resources to help them.
People should not be screened if they have serious health problems that will likely limit how long they will live, or if they won't be able to or won't want to get treatment if lung cancer is found.
Prostate cancerThe American Cancer Society recommends that men make an informed decision with a health care provider about whether to be tested for prostate cancer.
Starting at age 50, men should talk to a health care provider about the pros and cons of testing so they can decide if testing is the right choice for them.
If you are African American or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65, you should have this talk with a health care provider starting at age 45.
If you decide to be tested, you should get a PSA blood test with or without a rectal exam. How often you're tested will depend on your PSA level.
New Report Warns Of A Million Deaths Due To Breast Cancer In 2040
Breast cancer has emerged as a serious global health concern, with recent findings from a Lancet commission painting a stark picture of its escalating impact. According to the commission's report, breast cancer is now the world's most prevalent carcinogenic disease, with projections indicating a troubling increase in fatalities.
The report says that over the past five years leading up to 2020, approximately 7.8 million women worldwide received a diagnosis of breast cancer. It also said that 2.3 million cases were diagnosed globally in 2020. Tragically, an estimated 685,000 women succumbed to the disease in the same year alone.
ALSO SEE: Images Show Clear Evidence Of AI Spotting Breast Cancer 4 Years Before It Developed
Looking ahead, the commission forecasts a troubling surge in breast cancer cases, with global diagnosis expected to surpass 3 million each year by 2040. Moreover, deaths from breast cancer are set out to increase more than 50%, from 685,000 in 2020 to 1 million in 2040. The burden of this disease is expected to disproportionately affect low and middle-income countries.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that while genetic mutations is a well-known risk factor, other factors like age, gender, family history, reproductive history, hormone replacement therapy, obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity also contribute to the disease's onset.
ALSO SEE: Google AI System Can Detect Early Signs Of Breast Cancer Signs Better Than Radiologists: Study
The Lancet report underscores the glaring inequities and suffering experienced by breast cancer patients worldwide. Many individuals grapple with debilitating symptoms, emotional distress, financial burdens, and inadequate access to quality care.
In response to these challenges, the Lancet commission calls for a multifaceted approach to breast cancer management. The most important among their recommendations is improving communication between patients and healthcare professionals. Effective communication, the report suggests, can enhance patient empowerment, promote informed decision-making, and ultimately improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
(Image: Unsplash)
Cancer Crackdown: Early Detection Increases Chances Of Survival
Who among us doesn't have a loved one who has battled or is now battling cancer?
After losing two aunts to the disease in less than two months, news of National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month struck a loud chord. For the first time, April has been designated to put a spotlight on the power of prevention and the hope of early detection.
According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation's 2024 Early Detection Survey, nearly 7 in 10 American adults are behind on at least one cancer screening. This month is the perfect time to take stock of those cancer screenings we need and schedule our appointments.
In 2024, more than 2 million people in the U.S. Are expected to be diagnosed with cancer. In Indiana alone, 42,710 will be diagnosed with cancer this year. While we can't change those numbers, we can change how many are detected early.
Routine cancer screenings are our best defense. Screenings can detect cancer early, even before signs or symptoms appear. Following is a list of screening recommendations for people with average risk of cancer.
But if you have one or more family members with a history of some cancers — including breast, colorectal or prostate — you may be at higher risk. That said, only 5% to 10% of all cancers are hereditary.
Start by learning whether you have a family history of cancer and share that information with your health care provider. Then plan for screenings according to your age and sex as recommended by the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
Ages 20–30s
Women
• Talk with your health care provider at least once every three years about breast cancer risk assessment, risk reduction counseling and a clinical breast exam.
• Begin cervical cancer screening at age 21 with a Pap test every three years in your 20s. In your 30s, you can choose between getting a Pap test combined with an HPV test every five years (co-testing), an HPV test every five years or a Pap test every three years.
Men
• Ask your health care provider to examine for possible signs of testicular cancer during your routine physical and learn about self-exams. If you notice a change during a self-exam, see your health care provider right away.
Women and men
• Visit your dentist every six months and ask for an oral cancer exam.
• Get an annual skin check.
Ages 40s–70s
Women
• Get screened annually for breast cancer, including clinical breast exam.
• Screen for cervical cancer with a Pap test combined with an HPV test every five years (co-testing), an HPV test every five years or a Pap test every three years. After 65, talk with your health care provider.
Men
• Ask your health care provider to examine your testicles for possible signs of testicular cancer during your routine physical and learn about self-exams. If you notice a change during a self-exam, see your health care provider right away.
• If you are Black or if you have a close relative (brother or father) who had prostate cancer before age 65, talk with your health care provider about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening beginning at age 45. If you have had more than one close relative with prostate cancer before age 65, start that talk when you turn 40. Anyone with a prostate gland should talk with their health care provider about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening beginning at age 50.
Women and men
• Visit your dentist every six months and ask for an oral cancer exam.
• Get an annual skin check.
• If you smoke or have quit within the past 15 years and have at least a 20-pack year history of smoking (equal to a pack a day for 20 years), talk with your health care provider about getting screened for lung cancer starting at age 50.
• Begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. After age 75, talk with your health care provider.
Ages 80s
• Cancer screenings are individualized based on health and previous screening results. Talk with your health care provider about which cancer screenings you should undergo.
Visit preventcancer.Org to learn more about cancer prevention and early detection.
Amanda Banks is a member of the Prevent Cancer Foundation's Congressional Families Program. She is married to Rep. Jim Banks, R-3rd.
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