Which preventive examinations are recommended for various types of cancer?
October 19, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Marie Hahn
Dear Doctor,
my name is Emilia Schlittmaier and I am concerned about my health in relation to cancer screenings. There have been several cases of different types of cancer in my family, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. Due to this genetic predisposition, I am worried about my own risk of developing cancer.
So far, I have been regularly attending the recommended screenings such as the annual gynecologist appointment and mammography for early detection of breast cancer. However, I am wondering if there are other screenings that I should consider to detect other types of cancer early. For example, I have heard that colon cancer and prostate cancer can also be genetically linked and that specific tests such as the stool test or PSA test may be beneficial.
Therefore, I would like to ask you which screenings you would recommend for me as a woman with a genetic predisposition for various types of cancer. Are there specific tests or screening procedures that I should consider to detect my risk early and, if necessary, take measures for prevention or early detection?
Thank you in advance for your help and recommendations.
Sincerely,
Emilia Schlittmaier
Dear Mrs. Schlittmaier,
Thank you for your question and your interest in cancer screening examinations. It is understandable that you are concerned due to your family history and are thinking about which further examinations you should consider to detect your risk for various types of cancer early.
First of all, I would like to emphasize that it is very commendable that you already regularly participate in the recommended screening examinations, such as the annual gynecologist visit and mammography for the early detection of breast cancer. These are important measures to detect breast cancer early and initiate appropriate treatment options.
Regarding colorectal cancer and prostate cancer, which can also be genetically determined, there are indeed further screening examinations that you should consider. For the early detection of colorectal cancer, I recommend that you undergo a fecal occult blood test. This test can provide clues to existing bleeding in the colon, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer. In addition, a colonoscopy every 10 years would be advisable to detect and remove any polyps or tumors in the colon early.
For the early detection of prostate cancer, I recommend the so-called PSA test. This test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood, which can be elevated in prostate cancer. However, the PSA test is controversial as it does not always provide reliable results and can also lead to overdiagnosis. Therefore, it is important to discuss with your doctor whether it is appropriate in your case before undergoing the test.
In addition to these specific tests, I recommend that you also pay attention to your overall health, engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy diet, and minimize the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, as these factors can increase the risk of various types of cancer.
I hope that these recommendations help you and support you in your decision. Please do not hesitate to contact me again if you have any further questions or uncertainties.
Sincerely,
Marie Hahn
