Cancer screening
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If 2014 is the year you’ve promised to improve your health, you might want to look beyond a better diet and regular exercise. Medical experts hope more of us will take advantage of screening tools for breast, cervical and colon cancers.
Exercise is one way to better your health. But another less obvious step can begin with your doctor and a conversation about cancer screening.
Dr. Janice Giesbrecht is with the Niagara Health System: “I think sometimes people are afraid of the results. And I think that should be something we can get past. Because the benefits are there.”
Whether it’s cervical, colorectal or breast screening, the track records are solid. Early detection is leading to better outcomes.
Giesbrecht says: “Since 1990, thinking particularly breast cancer, we have seen a dramatic decrease in deaths from breast cancer in our population. Over 30% reduction. That is very significant.”
Critics of mammograms say the results can be misread leading to further testing that’s often unnecessary. But oncologist Dr. Giesbrecht says a diagnosis involves numerous steps: “There are often extra tests. And that varies somewhat whether it’s 10% or 15% are asked back for some extra tests that might be an ultra sound. It might be additional mammogram views. But not all of those patients have cancer. In fact many of them do not.”
She describes call backs as dotting the “i’s” and crossing the t’s, while acknowleging it comes at a cost: “The anxiety that goes with it, there are navigation tools and individuals who can help them thru that process. So it does not become onerous.”
Medical experts say screening tools shouldn’t be viewed with fear, but as an opportunity to take control of your health.
Giesbrecht says: “The ability to detect something earlier gives you a much better chance at needing less treatment and having a better outcome.”
There are a number of ways to determine if and when you should begin cancer screening. First, you can talk with your family doctor about your individual level of risk. And you can also check online at a Ministry of Health screening website.
