Cancer is understandably a scary topic for many people. However, most cancers are treatable, even curable, thanks to advances in medical technology and techniques. The determining factor in successful treatment outcomes is often early detection — the earlier, the better.
Kadie E. Leach, MD, is an internal medicine specialist who has provided outstanding medical services to people in the greater metropolitan area of Washington, DC, for more than 30 years. She is an expert in chronic disease management and is passionate about preventive health services.
Here’s what Dr. Leach says about the cancers affecting women and how screening studies save lives.
Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States, second only to heart disease. In many cases, men and women share the risks regarding skin cancer and other common cancer types. And while both are at risk, men are generally more likely than women to develop bladder, esophageal, colorectal, and lung cancer.
Still, some cancers are specific to biological females, including:
While not specific to women, thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men.
Otherwise, these cancers share a common characteristic — early detection often improves treatment outcomes.
Screening studies vary by cancer type. For instance, routine physical exams, self-breast exams, and mammograms are highly effective at detecting suspicious breast lumps early.
Pap smears detect abnormal, often precancerous, cervical cells. As a result, they’ve dramatically reduced the incidence of cervical cancer, once the leading cause of cancer death in women.
Vaccines prevent human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer. If you haven’t gotten a vaccine, testing identifies your risks of developing HPV.
Unfortunately, no screening tests exist for endometrial or ovarian cancer. However, knowing your risk factors and symptoms can alert you to early warning signs.
Colonoscopy, a screening study for colorectal cancer, provides a relatively easy solution for removing polyps before they evolve into cancer. Not all polyps cause cancer, but nearly every type of colorectal cancer starts as a polyp.
The most effective screenings for skin cancer include routine self-exams and annual exams by a physician. Dr. Leach may recommend more frequent surveillance if you have a history of skin cancer or are at increased risk due to prolonged sun exposure.
Recommendations for cancer screening vary according to age and risk factors and can be confusing. For instance, the American Cancer Society recommends that women have annual mammograms from age 40 to 54, switching to every two years after 55 if they desire, as long as they’re in good health and expect to live another 10 years.
Fortunately, while providing care for chronic conditions such as diabetes or acute illnesses like the flu, Dr. Leach can manage your cancer screenings and other preventative health exams.
As your primary care physician, she reviews your family medical history, current health status, and other risk factors before recommending screening tests. She’s also your most reliable resource if you develop concerning symptoms like an unusual vaginal discharge, suspicious changes in your bowel habits, or a mole that’s changing color or shape.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Leach today. Call our office or book your visit with our secure online scheduling service.
