Cancer Screening
Cancer screenings help detect cancer before the usual symptoms set in. When the disease is detected early, there’s a bigger chance of a successful treatment than when it is at a more advanced stage.
Cancer screening is one of the medical services provided by Hurtt Family Health Clinic. We’re equipped with the technology to perform various cancer screenings at affordable costs. Our board certified doctors can recommend the appropriate tests and refer you to any required specialist. To learn more about our cancer screening process, set an appointment at any of our low cost medical clinics in Tustin, Santa Ana or Anaheim, CA.
Regular preventative health are especially crucial for people who are exposed to various cancer risks, including:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Inactive lifestyle
- Poor diet
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Family history of cancer
Age can also make a person more vulnerable to certain types of cancers, such as breast, colon and prostate, so those aged 40 and above are advised to seek cancer screenings periodically.
Recommended Cancer Screenings
The American Cancer Society recommends the following cancer screenings for most adults:
Breast cancer screening
- Women aged 45 to 54 should have a mammogram every year, and then every two years after that.
- In addition to the mammogram, breast cancer screening also includes a physical exam. MRI screening is also recommended for some women who are genetically prone to the disease.
- Women are also encouraged to be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel, and consult their doctor if they notice any changes.
Colon/rectal cancer and polyps screening
- Several tests may be done to detect polyps and these cancer types, including: Colonoscopy, Virtual Colonoscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and Double-Contrast Barium Enema
- Detecting polyps is important as they need to be removed before they develop into cancer.
- The following tests can detect colon and rectal cancer, but not polyps: Yearly focal immunochemical test (FIT), Yearly guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT), Stool DNA test (sDNA)
- If the results in the last 3 tests are positive, a colonoscopy may be done.
Cervical cancer screening
- Screenings for cervical cancer includes PAP tests and HPV (human papillomavirus) testing. Women should start getting tested from age 21 to 65.
- Unless one has a history of pre-cancer, testing should stop at the age of 65.
- The frequency and schedule of screenings may vary according to an individual’s health history so it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.
Endometrial/uterine cancer screening
- Women who have reached menopause should be aware of the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer and should consult a doctor for any vaginal bleeding or spotting.
- Women of certain medical histories may be more at risk for the disease and may need to have an endometrial biopsy every year.
Lung cancer screening
- Regular lung cancer testing is recommended for people who smoke cigarettes, particularly those who are:
- Between 55 to 74 years old
- In good health
- Have a 30 pack-year history and still smokes or have quit smoking in the last 15 years. Pack-years are determined by getting the number of cigarette packs smoked each day and multiplying this by the number of years the person has smoked.
- Screening for lung cancer is done by low dose helical computed tomography of the chest.
Prostate cancer screening
- Routine PSA or Prostate-Specific Antigen test is discouraged unless a person has a family history and has a higher risk for the disease.
- African American men with an immediate family member who had prostate cancer before the age of 65 should talk to their healthcare provider about taking this test.
- A PSA blood test must be conducted before the test to determine the frequency of the test.
To learn more about our cancer screening process, make an appointment at any of our Tustin, Santa Ana or Anaheim clinics.