The oncology department at your local hospital focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer. This disease comes in many forms, attacking just about any part of the body. An oncologist is a vital resource in battling your condition and enjoying a good quality of life. The doctor will also recommend various screening exams to determine whether you have cancer. You should be aware of the different tests available.
One significant key to beating cancer is to detect it early. When doctors do not identify the disease in a person until it is in the late stages, treatment is much more difficult. A person does not have to wait until they have cancer symptoms. Even healthy patients should have cancer screening tests at certain periods of life. If the tests are negative, the patient can have peace of mind. If the exam is positive, there may be adequate time to develop an effective treatment plan.
Oncology doctors urge women to get a mammogram to check for breast cancer. Doctors can treat this form of the disease, especially when intervention begins right away. Starting at age 45, women should have this test every year. At age 55, testing should occur every other year. At-risk women should start testing earlier and more frequently. A mammogram is an effective way of detecting breast cancer in women who have no symptoms of the disease.
Oncology professionals recommend that women regularly have a test to detect cervical cancer. The most common way to find this form of the disease is through a Pap smear. The doctor will take cells from outside the woman’s cervix and examine them and determine whether they are cancerous. This test should occur every three years for women ages 21 to 65.
The human papillomavirus test (HPV) is another one the doctor will give. The doctor will administer this one to girls as young as age 9. The physician will scrape the cervix or collect cells from the vagina to test them for cancer. It is most effective to have this test before a young woman becomes sexually active.
After age 50, patients should turn their attention to colon health. Colon cancer risks increase after this age, so the oncology doctor recommends a colonoscopy test every five to 10 years. Tests should be more frequent after the patient passes the age of 60. The doctor will insert a tube into the rectum. Using this tool, the physician can check for polyps or cancer. Stool tests can also show signs of colon cancer. Depending on the results of this test, the doctor may recommend a colonoscopy.
Many patients are nervous about visiting the oncology department. People with cancer symptoms might not want to hear bad news. However, it is good to know as soon as possible whether you have a type of cancer. These tests allow the doctor to know how to treat you and give you the most likely chance of recovering. Talk to your physician today about these screening exams.
Get more information about Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center in Marlton at https://lindenbergcancer.com.
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