Cancer Screening

http://www.fitango.com/categories.php?id=607
Fitango Education
Health Topics
Cancer Screening

1
Overview
Cancer screening is an essential part of
preventative health screening for women of all
ages. Here you can read about screening for breast
and gynecological cancers.

2
Breast Cancer
In the United States in 2008,* 210,203 women
were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,589
women died from the disease.† Except for skin
cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer
among American women. CDC supports breast
cancer surveillance and research, and provides free
or low-cost mammograms to underserved women.

3
Breast Cancer
**Kinds of Screening Tests**
Breast cancer screening means checking a
woman's breasts for cancer before there are signs
or symptoms of the disease. Three main tests are
used to screen the breasts for cancer. Talk to your
doctor about which tests are right for you, and
when you should have them.

4
Breast Cancer
-- Mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of the
breast. Mammograms are the best method to
detect breast cancer early when it is easier to treat
and before it is big enough to feel or cause
symptoms. Having regular mammograms can
lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. If you
are age 50 to 74 years, be sure to have a screening
mammogram every two years. If you are age 40–
49 years, talk to your doctor about when and how
often you should have a screening mammogram.

5
Breast Cancer
-- Clinical breast exam. A clinical breast exam is an
examination by a doctor or nurse, who uses his or
her hands to feel for lumps or other changes.1
-- Breast self-exam. A breast self-exam is when you
check your own breasts for lumps, changes in size
or shape of the breast, or any other changes in the
breasts or underarm (armpit).

6
Breast Cancer
-- Which tests to choose: Having a clinical breast
exam or a breast self-exam have not been found to
decrease risk of dying from breast cancer.2 Keep in
mind that, at this time, the best way to find breast
cancer is with a mammogram. If you choose to
have clinical breast exams and to perform breast
self-exams, be sure you also get regular
mammograms.
**Where Can I Go to Get Screened?**

7
Breast Cancer
Most likely, you can get screened for breast cancer
at a clinic, hospital, or doctor's office. If you want
to be screened for breast cancer, call your doctor's
office. They can help you schedule an
appointment. Most health insurance companies
pay for the cost of breast cancer screening tests.

8
Breast Cancer
Are you worried about the cost? The National
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection
Program (NBCCEDP) offers free or low-cost
mammograms and education about breast cancer.
Find out if you qualify.

9
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is the easiest female cancer to
prevent, with regular screening tests and follow-
up. Two screening tests can help prevent cervical
cancer or find it early—
-- The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers,
cell changes on the cervix that might become
cervical cancer if they are not treated
appropriately.

10
Cervical Cancer
-- The HPV test looks for the virus (human
papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.

11
Cervical Cancer
The Pap test is recommended for all women, and
can be done in a doctor's office or clinic. During
the Pap test, the doctor will use a plastic or metal
instrument, called a speculum, to widen your
vagina. This helps the doctor examine the vagina
and the cervix, and collect a few cells and mucus
from the cervix and the area around it. The cells
are then placed on a slide or in a bottle of liquid
and sent to a laboratory. The laboratory will check
to be sure that the cells are normal.

12
Cervical Cancer
If you are getting the HPV test in addition to the
Pap test, the cells collected during the Pap test will
be tested for HPV at the laboratory. Talk with your
doctor, nurse, or other health care professional
about whether the HPV test is right for you.

13
Cervical Cancer
When you have a Pap test, the doctor may also
perform a pelvic exam, checking your uterus,
ovaries, and other organs to make sure there are
no problems. There are times when your doctor
may perform a pelvic exam without giving you a
Pap test. Ask your doctor which tests you are
having, if you are unsure.

14
Cervical Cancer
If you have a low income or do not have health
insurance, you may be able to get a free or low-
cost Pap test through the National Breast and
Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Find out
if you qualify.
**When to Get Screened**

15
Cervical Cancer
You should start getting regular Pap tests at age 21.
The Pap test, which screens for cervical cancer, is
one of the most reliable and effective cancer
screening tests available.

16
Cervical Cancer
The only cancer for which the Pap test screens is
cervical cancer. It does not screen for ovarian,
uterine, vaginal, or vulvar cancers. So even if you
have a Pap test regularly, if you notice any signs or
symptoms that are unusual for you, see a doctor to
find out why you're having them. If your Pap test
results are normal, your doctor may tell you that
you can wait three years until your next Pap test.

17
Cervical Cancer
If you are aged 30 years or older, you may choose
to have an HPV test along with the Pap test. Both
tests can be performed by your doctor at the same
time. When both tests are performed together, it is
called co-testing. If your test results are normal,
your chance of getting cervical cancer in the next
few years is very low. Your doctor may then tell
you that you can wait as long as five years for your
next screening. But you should still go to the
doctor regularly for a checkup.

18
Cervical Cancer
If you are 21–65 years old, it is important for you
to continue getting a Pap test as directed by your
doctor—even if you think you are too old to have a
child or are not having sex anymore. However, if
you are older than 65 and have had normal Pap
test results for several years, or if you have had
your cervix removed as part of a total
hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like
fibroids, your doctor may tell you that you do not
need to have a Pap test anymore.

19
Cervical Cancer
For more information, please read the U.S.
Preventive Services Task Force overview of cervical
cancer screening recommendations.
**How to Prepare for Your Pap Test**
You should not schedule your Pap test for a time
when you are having your period. If you are going
to have a Pap test in the next two days—

20
Cervical Cancer
-- You should not douche (rinse the vagina with
water or another fluid).
-- You should not use a tampon.
-- You should not have sex.
-- You should not use a birth control foam, cream,
or jelly.

21
Cervical Cancer
-- You should not use a medicine or cream in your
vagina.
**Pap Test Results**

22
Cervical Cancer
It can take up to three weeks to receive your Pap
test results. If your test shows that something
might not be normal, your doctor will contact you
and figure out how best to follow up. There are
many reasons why Pap test results might not be
normal. It usually does not mean you have cancer.

23
Cervical Cancer
If your Pap test results show cells that are not
normal and may become cancer, your doctor will
let you know if you need to be treated. In most
cases, treatment prevents cervical cancer from
developing. It is important to follow up with your
doctor right away to learn more about your test
results and receive any treatment that may be
needed.
**Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines**

24
Cervical Cancer
The Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
chart [PDF-62KB] compares recommendations
from theAmerican Cancer Society, U.S. Preventive
Services Task Force, and the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists regarding—
-- When to start screening.
-- Screening methods and intervals.

25
Cervical Cancer
-- When to stop screening.
-- Screening after a total hysterectomy.
-- Pelvic exams.
-- Screening among women who have been
vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV).

26
Ovarian Cancer
**Risk Factors**
There is no way to know for sure if you will get
ovarian cancer. Most women get it without being
at high risk. However, several factors may increase
a woman’s risk for ovarian cancer, including if
you—
-- Are middle-aged or older.

27
Ovarian Cancer
**Risk Factors**
-- Have close family members (such as your
mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother) on either
your mother's or your father's side, who have had
ovarian cancer.
-- Have a genetic mutation (abnormality) called
BRCA1 or BRCA2.
-- Have had breast, uterine, or colorectal (colon)
cancer.

28
Ovarian Cancer
**Risk Factors**
-- Have an Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish
background.
-- Have never given birth or have had trouble
getting pregnant.
-- Have endometriosis (a condition where tissue
from the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in
the body).

29
Ovarian Cancer
**Risk Factors**
In addition, some studies suggest that women who
take estrogen by itself (without progesterone) for
10 or more years may have an increased risk of
ovarian cancer.
If one or more of these factors is true for you, it
does not mean you will get ovarian cancer. But you
should speak with your doctor about your risk.

30
Ovarian Cancer
**Risk Factors**
There is no simple and reliable way to screen for
ovarian cancer in women who do not have any
signs or symptoms.
**Cancer Screening**

31
Ovarian Cancer
**Risk Factors**
Screening is when a test is used to look for a
disease before there are any symptoms. Cancer
screening tests are effective when they can detect
disease early. Detecting disease early can lead to
more effective treatment. Diagnostic tests are used
when a person has symptoms. The purpose of
diagnostic tests is to find out, or diagnose, what is
causing the symptoms. Diagnostic tests also may
be used to check a person who is considered at
high risk for cancer.

32
Ovarian Cancer
**Risk Factors**
The Pap test does not check for ovarian cancer. The
only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical
cancer. Since there is no simple and reliable way to
screen for any gynecologic cancers except for
cervical cancer, it is especially important to
recognize warning signs, and learn what you can
do to reduce your risk.
Here is what you can do—

33
Ovarian Cancer
**Risk Factors**
-- Pay attention to your body, and know what is
normal for you.
-- If you notice any changes in your body that are
not normal for you and could be a sign of ovarian
cancer, talk to your doctor about them and ask
about possible causes, such as ovarian cancer.

34
Ovarian Cancer
**Risk Factors**
-- Ask your doctor if you should have a test, such as
a rectovaginal pelvic exam, a transvaginal
ultrasound, or a CA-125 blood test if—
-- You have any unexplained signs or symptoms of
ovarian cancer. These tests sometimes help find or
rule out ovarian cancer.

35
Ovarian Cancer
**Risk Factors**
-- You have had breast, uterine, or colorectal
cancer; or if a close relative has had ovarian cancer.
**Prevention**
There is no known way to prevent ovarian cancer.
But these things may lower your chance of getting
ovarian cancer—

36
Ovarian Cancer
**Risk Factors**
-- Having used birth control pills for more than five
years.
-- Having had a tubal ligation (getting your tubes
tied), both ovaries removed, or a hysterectomy (an
operation in which the uterus, and sometimes the
cervix, is removed).
-- Having given birth.

37
Uterine Cancer
**Risk Factors**
uterine cancer. Some women get it without being
at high risk. However, several factors may increase
the chance that you will get uterine cancer,
including if you—
-- Are older than 50.

38
Uterine Cancer
**Risk Factors**
-- Are obese (have an abnormally high, unhealthy
amount of body fat).
-- Take estrogen by itself (without progesterone)
for hormone replacement during menopause.
-- Have had trouble getting pregnant, or have had
fewer than five periods in a year before starting
menopause.

39
Uterine Cancer
**Risk Factors**
-- Take tamoxifen, a drug used to treat certain
types of breast cancer.
-- Have close family members who have had
uterine, colon, or ovarian cancer.
-- If one or more of these things is true for you, it
does not mean you will get uterine cancer. But you
should speak with your doctor to see if he or she
recommends more frequent exams.

40
Uterine Cancer
**Risk Factors**
There are no simple and reliable ways to test for
uterine cancer in women who do not have any
signs or symptoms. The Pap test does not screen
for uterine cancer. The only cancer the Pap test
screens for is cervical cancer.
**Screening**

41
Uterine Cancer
**Risk Factors**
disease before there are any symptoms. Diagnostic
tests are used when a person has symptoms. The
purpose of diagnostic tests is to find out, or
diagnose, what is causing the symptoms.
Diagnostic tests also may be used to check a
person who is considered at high risk for cancer.

42
Uterine Cancer
**Risk Factors**
Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen
for any gynecologic cancers except for cervical
cancer, it is especially important to recognize
warning signs and learn what you can do to reduce
your risk.

43
Uterine Cancer
**Risk Factors**
If you have symptoms or believe you may be at
high risk for uterine cancer, your doctor may
perform an endometrial biopsy or a transvaginal
ultrasound. These tests can be used to help
diagnose or rule out uterine cancer. Your doctor
may do this test in his or her office, or may refer
you to another doctor. The doctor might perform
more tests if the endometrial biopsy does not
provide enough information, or if symptoms
continue.

44
Uterine Cancer
**Prevention**
There is no known way to prevent uterine cancer.
But these things may reduce your chance of
getting uterine cancer—
-- Using birth control pills.
-- Maintaining a healthy weight and being
physically active.

45
Uterine Cancer
**Prevention**
-- Taking progesterone, if you are taking estrogen.
-- Ask your doctor about how often you should be
checked for uterine cancer, especially if you think
that you have factors that increase your chance of
getting it.

46
Vaginal or Vulvar Cancer
**Risk Factors**
vaginal or vulvar cancer. Some women get these
cancers without being at high risk. However,
several factors may increase the chance that you
will get vaginal or vulvar cancer, including if you—
-- Have HPV.

47
**Risk Factors**
-- Have had cervical precancer or cervical cancer.
-- Have a condition that weakens your immune
system (such as HIV, the virus that can lead to
AIDS), making it hard for your body to fight off
health problems.
-- Smoke.
-- Have chronic vulvar itching or burning.

48
**Risk Factors**
If one or more of these things is true for you, it
does not mean you will get vaginal or vulvar
cancer. But you should speak with your doctor to
see if he or she recommends more frequent
exams.
**Screening**
There is no simple and reliable way to test for
vaginal or vulvar cancers in women who do not
have any signs or symptoms.

49
**Risk Factors**
disease before there are any symptoms. Cancer
screening tests are effective when they can detect
disease early. Detecting disease early can lead to
more effective treatment. Diagnostic tests are used
when a person has symptoms. The purpose of
diagnostic tests is to find out, or diagnose, what is
causing the symptoms. Diagnostic tests also may
be used to check a person who is considered at
high risk for cancer.

50
**Risk Factors**
The Pap test does not screen for vaginal or vulvar
cancers. Since there is no simple and reliable way
to screen for any gynecologic cancers except
cervical cancer, it is especially important to
recognize warning signs, and learn what you can
do to reduce your risk.
Here are steps you can take—

51
**Risk Factors**
-- Pay attention to your body, and know what is
normal for you.
-- If you notice any changes in your body that are
not normal for you and could be a sign of either
vaginal or vulvar cancer, talk to your doctor about
them and ask about possible causes.

52
**Risk Factors**
-- Visit your doctor regularly for a checkup. During
your checkup, your doctor may perform a pelvic
examination to look for signs of vaginal and vulvar
cancer.
-- When vaginal and vulvar cancers are found early,
treatment is most effective.

53
**Risk Factors**
If your doctor says that you have vaginal or vulvar
cancer, ask to be referred to a gynecologic
oncologist—a doctor who has been trained to treat
cancers like these. This doctor will work with you
to create a treatment plan.
**Cancer Prevention**

54
**Risk Factors**
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common
virus with more than 100 different kinds or types.
More than 30 of the types can be passed from one
person to another during sex. Almost all cervical
cancers and some vaginal and vulvar cancers are
caused by HPV.

55
**Risk Factors**
There is a vaccine that protects against the types of
HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and
vulvar cancers. It is given in a series of three shots.
The vaccine is recommended for 11 and 12 year
old girls. It is also recommended for girls and
women aged 13 through 26 who did not get any or
all of the shots when they were younger. (Note:
The vaccine can be given to girls beginning at age
9.)

Cancer Screening

Recommandé

Recommandé

Contenu connexe

Tendances

Tendances (20)

En vedette

En vedette (6)

Similaire à Cancer Screening

Similaire à Cancer Screening (20)

Plus de fitango

Plus de fitango (20)

Cancer Screening