Cancer: We can do something about it
By Dr. Marcus Coxon
All of us have surely wondered at one time or another if we’re at risk for cancer. The answer unequivocally is yes. Cancer affects Americans and Vermonters of all ages, races and genders.
Normally, cells in our bodies grow and divide to form new tissues as the body needs them. Eventually, when cells grow old, they die and are replaced. Sometimes, however, this orderly process goes wrong. New cells may form when the body does not need them, and old cells may not die when they should. In this way, over time, cancers can develop.
Scientists estimate that as many as 50 to 75 percent of cancer deaths in the United States are caused by human behaviors such as smoking, physical inactivity and poor dietary choices. While our lifestyle choices, along with our family histories, may contribute to increased risk, people with no family history of the disease and overall good health are still in jeopardy.
In Vermont, cancer is the second leading cause of death, including in children, according to the Department of Health. The American Cancer Society reports that about one out of every three American women and about one of every two American men now living will eventually have cancer.
The most common cancer in the United States is skin cancer, which can be found early through careful skin examinations. Close behind in number of new cases found each year are breast, colon and prostate cancers. The good news is these too are detectable early enough to dramatically improve rates of survival.
It may seem strange to want to find cancer growing within us, but the key to surviving cancer and going on to live long, happy, healthy lives with our families is early detection. Gifford Medical Center uses cancer-screening guidelines that follow the most current national recommendations:
- Prostate cancer screenings (a blood test and physical exam) for men should occur annually beginning at age 50.
- Mammograms and breast exams for women should be done annually beginning at age 40.
- Pap testing for cervical cancer should usually start at age 21 and be continued annually until age 30. After that, women should be screened every three years.
- Colonoscopies to detect colorectal cancers in both men and women should begin at age 50 and be repeated at least every 10 years.
Screening tests are designed to catch disease in early stages of development. If done at regular intervals, screening is able to detect disease before it develops and spreads. For example, during colonoscopies, doctors may completely remove small pre-cancerous ployps. Similarly, removal of suspicious skin lesions can result in a complete cure.
For some, planning these tests may be either financially difficult or raise other questions and concerns. Fortunately, a great many people have gone before you and received the benefits of screening – meaning these tests are practiced and have been proven effective. At Gifford, we encourage you to talk to your primary care provider about the resources available to make screening comfortable, reassuring and affordable.
Dr. Marcus Coxon is a family physician at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph. He was first appointed to the hospital’s Medical Staff in 1996 and is a member of the medical center’s Cancer Committee.