Oncologist are known as cancer doctors or specialists who diagnose and treat various types of cancer, meaning people should not wait until there is a suspicion of the disease before scheduling an appointment. In fact, with cancer, timing is of the essence. Patients with any concerns can learn how regular visits to an oncologist can help promote early detection and treatment.

The Importance of Visiting an Oncologist Regularly

Oncologists can provide genetic testing

For those who are unclear about their genetic makeup or familial history and want to understand their cancer risk, we can provide genetic testing. The same goes for those who have cancer but want to know the direct cause. Unlike cancer screenings that require a maintenance schedule, genetic testing only requires one appointment. Also known as predictive genetic testing, this test looks for mutations in an individual's genes, pinpointing the likelihood of a specific cancer occurring or recurring. While at-home kits are available, accurately interpreting the results can eliminate excessive confusion and worry. Professional testing can also provide a good foundation for cancer screenings.

Goals of screenings

While the primary goal of screenings is obvious: to detect cancer, their purpose goes far beyond that. If there is a suspicion of cancer, only an oncologist can determine its type and stage. This is important because it will determine the type and aggressiveness of treatment. Early intervention increases the odds of remission and decreases the risk of death in some cases. Therefore, even if one receives results of a benign tumor or a false positive, it is extremely important to follow the screening timelines provided by the oncologist.

Who should visit the oncologist?

The American Cancer Society recommends that average-risk individuals begin regular cancer screenings at age 45. Average risks include those who are not genetically predisposed or have no previous cancer history. This is because cancer does not have a favorite. It can affect anyone at any age. However, if one is genetically predisposed or has a family history of cancer, no matter the type, oncologists may recommend starting screenings as early as age 21. For individuals with a history of benign (noncancerous) tumors, the oncologist will likely set a checkup schedule for regular screenings.

Of course, some signs may warrant a patient contacting the oncologist before a regular screening, such as:

• Bloody urine
• Coughing up blood
• Persistent cough with no blood
• Excess fatigue
• Irregular-shaped moles
• Lumps or bumps with no pain
• Shortness of breath while doing normal activities
• Unexplained weight loss

What to expect at a screening

There are various types of screening tests an oncologist may employ depending on which type of cancer they are looking for. However, they all share the same foundation. The oncologist will begin by reviewing the patient's medical history and an open conversation regarding changes to the patient's body over the past year. This will follow up with a physical assessment, checking the general signs of health. If the patient exhibits any of the above symptoms, the oncologist will consider them when choosing a specific screening and additional testing.

Some screenings require blood, urine, or tissue samples, while others may require images of inside the body. Either way, upon scheduling a screening, the oncologist will inform the patients how to prepare before their next appointment.

Defining regular visits

Regular visits vary for everyone. The oncologist will consider patients' gender, age, medical history, and the type of screening they request. The American Cancer Society has provided a general rule of thumb for each type of screening.

Breast cancer screenings

While oncologists strongly encourage at-home breast exams, they can only go so far. If there are any changes or abnormalities, contact the oncologist right away. However, starting at age 45, women should begin scheduling annual breast cancer screenings. Starting at age 55, the oncologist may recommend them every two years.

Cervical cancer screenings

Those with a cervix, the passage forming the lower part of the uterus, should begin having it checked at age 25 every five years until they reach the age of 65.

Colon cancer screenings

Colon cancer is a rare form of cancer but offers several different testing options. Each comes with its own recommendations. However, if there is no risk of colon cancer, patients should begin their screenings at age 45 every five years until the age of 75. At age 75, the oncologist will decide whether continued screenings are necessary.

Lung cancer screenings

Lung cancer screenings are primarily for those who smoke or previously smoked. It may also be a good idea for nonsmokers who live with or are in constant, close contact with smokers. They should begin receiving annual screenings between the ages of 50 and 80. However, after 80, the oncologist may see no need to continue the screenings unless the patient's primary care physician alerts the patient to an abnormality.

Schedule your next cancer screening

Early detection is your best chance of beating cancer. If you are interested in genetic testing or it is time for your next cancer screening, contact our office. Our oncologist can conduct and help you maintain a screening schedule to protect the integrity of your health.

Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876 for an appointment in our Marlton office.

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