in with the belief that a medication will be prescribed to relieve their symptoms. Often, a diagnosis of cancer is given in the emergency room and there was no other indication except for the symptom that led them there to begin with. The purpose of this paper is to provide information on different types of cancer screenings, the importance, the type, risk factors, and how often they should be done.
Discussion
Cancer screenings are tests that help provide a diagnosis before the symptoms appear. With early detection, treatments can be started prior to the progression of the disease, therefore; making treatments more successful. This can also lead to higher survival rates. Commonly screened cancers include, breast, colon, cancers involving reproductive systems, prostate in men and more recently lung cancer has been added to the list. For American women, breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, second only to skin cancer. Screening for breast cancer should be started by all women at the age of 45, but
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Screening for this cancer includes a DRE or digital rectal examination. A PSA or prostate specific antigen test may also be used. Men should be tested beginning at age 55. African Americans or males with a family history of the disease may be at higher risk. Colorectal cancer may affect men and women. It is one of the most common cancers in both genders, ranked third. Regular screening for early detection of colorectal cancer leads to the best treatment options. With screening, polyps in the colon can be found and removed before they turn into cancer. Screening typically is recommended beginning at age 50. Colonoscopies are recommended to be done every 10 years. There are other screening tests as well. People that have a history of polyps or irritable bowel syndrome are at an increased risk, as well as people with a family history of polyps or colorectal