Self-Checking
There are almost as many myths about cancer screening as there are screening methods. If you are not considered high-risk for a particular type of cancer, there is really no need to ‘check yourself’ at a set date or in a specific way. It is good to be aware of what your body usually looks and feels like. But there is no need to check yourself at a set time or in a set way.
There is no hard evidence that suggests regularly self-checking any part of your body is helpful. The best research shows there is no one way to check your body for cancer. People who self-check regularly are no more likely to survive cancer. It may do more harm than good by discovering completely benign cancers, which would cause unnecessary anxiety or tests.
The best thing you can do is know and understand your body. If you know what is normal for you, it is much easier to notice if anything changes and listen if it does change.
It is extraordinarily important to listen to your body and tell your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual lumps, swellings, or other changes to your body.
Understand that there are over two hundred signs and symptoms of cancer, and for that reason, it is not possible to remember them all. Some are easy to see, while others only can be found through intensive testing. What most of them have in common is that they influence how you usually feel. If you notice anything that is not normal for you call your doctor.
Screening
Obviously – colon cancer being a prime example – some forms of cancer need to be screened for, particularly if you are in a high-risk group.
Cancer screening is the use of medical tests and exams to detect the presence of cancer in otherwise healthy, asymptomatic individuals. The goal is to identify malignancies at initial stages, typically before symptoms manifest and treatment success rates are highest.
Some key attributes of cancer screening are:
To uncover malignant or premalignant abnormalities in large segments of the population, which differs from diagnostic testing in patients exhibiting signs or symptoms.- To merit population-level implementation, the screening method must pose low risk while reliably picking up marker clues pointing to cancers otherwise invisible.
- No screening test is perfect, although they do strive for maximum true positive catch rates while minimizing false positives triggering unnecessary procedures.
- For the greatest utility, screens need high compliance rates across risk groups, making testing accessible, affordable, and non-invasive boosts follow through.
- Screening protocols define age timing, frequency, and eligibility criteria, aimed at catching the most lethal cancers where early intervention outcomes shine.
Cancer screening through blood markers, imaging, endoscopy, and other techniques function as preventative maintenance for the body. They try to intercept cancers early enough to shift the odds to a cure rather than ongoing management.
Cancer Screening in the 2020s
Cancer screenings have made great strides over the last decade:
More personalized, risk-based screening:
Guidelines now recommend earlier, more frequent screening for those at high genetic or biomarker-determined risk for certain cancers. Meanwhile, some low-risk patients may undergo less intense screening.
Greater use of MRI and ultrasound imaging:
Improved resolution and accuracy over mammography has led breast and ovarian cancer screening shifts toward MRI and ultrasound technology, reducing false positives and unnecessary biopsies.
Emerging blood testing:
New blood tests assessing circulating tumor DNA show promise for minimally invasive liquid biopsy screening or supplementary testing to identify cancer mutations.
Lung cancer screening expansion:
Following confirmation of mortality benefit, eligibility for annual lung cancer CT scans in high-risk patients expanded in 2021 from aged 55-80 to now 50-80 for smokers with 20+ pack year history.
At-home stool screening:
In efforts to boost compliance, FDA approved Cologuard at-home stool DNA test for colorectal screening requires no preparatory regimen or time away from work. Available every three years to eligible average risk adults over forty-five.
Altogether, screening is becoming more precise and personalized for optimal detection potential, while minimizing testing frequency and procedures among lower risk demographics.
Types of Cancer that Should be Screened
Here are the cancer types that physicians strongly recommend early screening for based on evidence which confirms enhanced outcomes when caught early:
Breast Cancer
Annual mammograms beginning at age 40 for average risk women, earlier for those with genetic/elevated risk.
Colon Cancer
Regular screening beginning at age 45, either with annual at-home stool tests or more invasive colonoscopy every 5-10 years.
Lung Cancer
Annual low-dose CT scan for high-risk adults aged 50-80 who have substantial smoking history (20+ pack years).
Cervical Cancer
Pap smears every 3-5 years beginning by age 21 through age 65 testing for high-risk HPV infection behind all cases.
Prostate Cancer
Men aged 55-69 should discuss with their doctor individually gauging screening blood test benefits or harms based on race, family history, and personal preference.
Skin Cancer
Annual full body skin checks for unusual moles or spots, especially among fairer skinned people.
Our Mission
We are a multidisciplinary team of surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, and clinical trial investigators. Together, we deliver cutting-edge, safe, well-coordinated, and supportive care to people with cancer and their families.
We strive to provide access to cutting-edge clinical trials in cancer care. This means providing access to innovative therapies in the community where you live. We feel strongly that state-of-the-art medicine should be easily assessable beyond academic centers.
We always maintain an individualized touch, and we will never treat you as just another patient.
What We Do
Our clinical practice encompasses various tumor types including, but not limited to:
Breast
Bladder
Lung
Colorectal
Gastric
Kidney
Livers
Esophageal
Pancreatic
Prostate
Testicular
Head and Neck
Genitourinary
Gynecological Malignancies
The Expertise You Need, The Compassion You Deserve
With years of experience working in cancer research and treatment, our team brings extensive knowledge and expertise to every patient. Our passion for helping patients find the right clinical trial while providing the care they need is unparalleled.
Our team is dedicated to making sure you have access to the best possible cancer treatment options.
Houston's Leading Cancer Research Expert
Our patients gain access to trial treatments sponsored by leading medical institutions in Houston and throughout the nation. Our team works hard to connect you with the best possible trial while providing comprehensive care during your treatment.
We identify the best treatments available in oncology with evidence-based alternative treatments for symptom control. In addition, we have in-depth training in Geriatrics, which allow us to offer tailored cancer care to elderly patients. This frequently means balancing the benefit of chemotherapy while minimizing side effects in older, vulnerable patients.
Start Your Journey to Healing Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with cancer, contact our, Houston office to learn more about the clinical trials that could help. Our team is committed to giving you access to the best possible care and providing personalized support throughout your journey.
Whether you need a second opinion about a diagnosis, or want to learn how to participate in a cancer prevention or clinical trial, our experienced team is here for you.