Personal Best Health Wellness - Cancer Tests

Not long ago many types of cancer could not be detected until tumors were large enough to be felt or cause pain. By then, the cancer may have spread, or metastasized, to other parts of the body and become untreatable. But more knowledge and better diagnostic tools are changing that.

Today, half of all new cancer cases can be detected at early, curable stages with better and better periodic screening methods. Such cancers include those of the breast, prostate, colon and rectum, cervix, mouth and skin. However, many people are not aware of these tests or fail to have them. One such test, the Pap smear, could virtually eliminate deaths from cervical cancer, but this simple, effective procedure is significantly underutilized.

While cancer tests can be lifesavers, they're particularly important for certain groups — those with risks due to family history or age. Our risk of cancer increases as we get older. So around age 40 or 50 (earlier for anyone at elevated risk) you should become especially vigilant. Talk to your health care provider about establishing a schedule for the tests listed here.