Finding Cancer Early: Screening Methods
Right now, there are some good ways to find certain types of cancer early.
For example, we use:
Mammography: This is a special X-ray for breasts. It helps find breast cancer in women over 50. It can lower the chance of dying from breast cancer by about 20-30%.
Colonoscopy: This test looks at the colon (the lower part of the intestines). It can find pre-cancerous growths called polyps. When these are removed, it can lower the risk of getting colorectal cancer by more than 68%.
Pap Smear: This test helps check for problems in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). It has helped reduce cervical cancer rates by 70% since it started being used.
Overall, while we have some good ways to catch certain cancers early, we need to keep working on making these tests easier for everyone to access. We also need to find better ways to serve different groups of people.
Finding Cancer Early: Screening Methods
Right now, there are some good ways to find certain types of cancer early.
For example, we use:
Mammography: This is a special X-ray for breasts. It helps find breast cancer in women over 50. It can lower the chance of dying from breast cancer by about 20-30%.
Colonoscopy: This test looks at the colon (the lower part of the intestines). It can find pre-cancerous growths called polyps. When these are removed, it can lower the risk of getting colorectal cancer by more than 68%.
Pap Smear: This test helps check for problems in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). It has helped reduce cervical cancer rates by 70% since it started being used.
Overall, while we have some good ways to catch certain cancers early, we need to keep working on making these tests easier for everyone to access. We also need to find better ways to serve different groups of people.