Cancer is one of the most difficult medical problems we face. At Hilliard Family Medicine, we offer the following services aimed at early detection of cancerous and precancerous conditions.
- Pap Smear is a screening test for detecting cervical cancer. Women should start getting pap smears at age 21 year old, then every one to three years based on age and past medical history.
- PSA blood testing is used as a supplement to a physician’s examination, to screen for prostate cancer. Caucasian men age 50 and older are advised to have this blood test annually. Men who are African-American, Hispanic, or Asian should begin screening at age 40. If there is a family history of prostate cancer, screening should begin 10 years earlier.
- Breast examinations are done to screen for suspicious lumps and for breast cancer. Women should get into the habit of performing monthly breast exams themselves at home, and having a physician’s exam annually. Your doctor will also discuss mammograms with you, and the frequency with which these should be repeated.
- Testicular examinations are done to screen for testicular cancer. Bring any lumps you find to your doctor’s attention immediately.
- Skin examinations are done to screen for skin cancers. You should monitor yourself for changes to moles or sores. If any lesion changes in size, color, bleeding or irritation please bring this to the attention of your doctor for further evaluation.
- Colonoscopy is done to screen for colon polyps and colon cancer. Our office will refer you to have this done as outpaient by our consulting gastroenterologists. This test is typically done after 50 years of age and usually every 10 years. Patients with family history of Colon Cancer or Rectal cancer should start at age 40 years old.
Link to American Cancer Society Screening Guidelines
