Cancer Screenings - Get them While You Feel Great!

Cancer Screenings – Get them While You Feel Great!

By: Adam Walter, MD, ProMedica Physicians Gynecology | Oncology and chair of the ProMedica Cancer Institute

Cancer screenings are down due to the pandemic across our system, across the state and across the country. Unfortunately, the data clearly shows that skipping cancer screenings results in more intial diagnoses of advanced cancer.

Cancer screenings are incredibly important. Instead of going to your health care provider when you have symptoms, cancer screenings detect any changes in your body before you feel symptoms.  That’s why the best time for someone to get screened is when they are feeling great with no symptoms. Once someone has symptoms, we are no longer talking about screenings and instead talking about diagnostic procedures.

In general with cancer, no matter how aggressive the cancer is, if it's caught in an early stage, it can be cured. It’s really important to discuss with your health care provider the best screening schedule for you based on your family history and other risk factors. The main cancer screenings detect, and in some cases prevent, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer.

The following symptoms can be a strong indication of cancer and medical attention should be sought quickly:

Breast cancer – masses, lumps, tenderness or nipple discharge.

Colon cancer – gastrointestinal issues, cramping or bleeding with bowel movement.

Cervical cancer - a heavy menstrual cycle, pain or bleeding after intercourse.

Prostate cancer – difficulty urinating, urinating frequently and urine retention.

Lung cancer – persistent coughing.

It is safe to get your screenings since health care facilities take extra measures to help ensure clean and sanitized environments. Getting your screening is something that could certainly change the course of your life. There are plenty of COVID-19 protocols put in place, such as getting COVID-19 testing 24 to 48 hours before any procedure, consistent monitoring and vaccine availability.

The best cancer screening programs include services to make sure they are accessible to all. Those services may include assistance with transportation or other barriers that might make it difficult for someone to access cancer screenings.  It is so important to have conversations with your health care providers. Everyone should feel empowered to take charge of their health care and improve their health and well-being.

Cancer Experts in the Media

ProMedica cancer experts strive to educate the community to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved after a diagnosis. Check out our featured experts in the media below:

WTOL 11: Don’t delay breast cancer screenings, ProMedica doctor says

Featuring – Jessica Burns, MD, ProMedica Physicians Breast Surgery

WTOL 11: Guidelines for lung cancer screenings lowered

Featuring – Jeffrey Forquer, MD, ProMedica Radiation Oncologist

NBC 24: Doctor, colorectal cancer survivor urges patients to get screened at younger age

Featuring – Peter Klein, MD, ProMedica Physicians Colorectal Surgery

NBC 24: Amid resurgence in breast cancer screenings, doctors urge patients to get tested

Featuring - David Macari, MD, ProMedica Hematology/Oncology Associates

WTOL 11: Cervical Cancer survivor credits doctor’s visit for saving her life, stressing check-ups

Featuring – Courtney Payne. PA, ProMedica Physicians Gynecology | Oncology

Men’s Health Month – Prostate Cancer Awareness

Featuring – Timothy Schuster, MD, FACS, ProMedica Genito-Urinary Surgeon

13abc: A call for colon cancer screenings in the Black community

Featuring – Eilynn Sipe, MD, ProMedica Physicians Colorectal Surgery

NBC 24: Doctors urge patients to schedule cancer screenings after low turnout during pandemic

Featuring – Adam Walter, MD, ProMedica Cancer Institute Medical Director