One of the keys to successfully treating cancer is to catch the disease as early as possible. You have the power to minimize your risks by having a primary care physician who knows your health history and schedules regular screenings.
Annual physicals are a great first step, but depending on your age and risk factors, some patients should consider additional screenings. Your primary care physician can give you more information as to what screenings make sense for you. Additional information on risk factors and screening guidelines are below.
Considerations for increased risk factors may include:
- Prior diagnosis of a breast abnormality
- Family history of breast cancer
- Known BRCA mutation
- Known existence of densely fibrous breast tissue
- History of chest irradiation
Breast Cancer
Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat.
Who gets screened, and when?
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Women aged 40 and above
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Every year
Other considerations for increased risk may include:
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Prior diagnosis of a breast abnormality
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Family history of breast cancer
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Known BRCA mutation
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Known existence of densely fibrous breast tissue
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And/or history of chest irradiation
Please discuss screening options with your physician. Read more information on breast cancer, or book your annual mammogram.
Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Who gets screened, and when?
- Men and women
- Every 10 years from age 45 (or earlier if positive family history)
Please discuss screening options with your primary care physician or gastroenterologist to see if a screening is recommended for you. Read more information on colon cancer and screenings.
Lung Cancer
Screening with low-dose CT of the lungs can identify lung cancer at an early, curable stage.
Who gets screened, and when?
- Men and women
- Have a 20 pack-year* history of smoking
- 50 to 80 years old
- Currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years
*This is the number of packs of cigarettes per day multiplied by the number of years smoked. For example, someone who smoked 2 packs a day for 10 years [2 x 10 = 20] has 20 pack-years of smoking, as does a person who smoked 1 pack a day for 20 years [1 x 20 = 20].
Smoking Cessation Courses:
Piedmont Healthcare offers several ongoing smoking cessation programs. Patients can call 404-605-3782 for Piedmont Hospital classes or 706-301-5516 for classes at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital.
Please discuss screening options with your primary care physician and see if a Low-Dose CT Screening is recommended for you. Read more information on lung cancer.
Prostate Cancer
A blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) can detect the presence of prostate cancer.
Who gets screened, and when?
- Men
- Every two years starting at age 50
Please discuss screening options with your primary care physician. Read more information on prostate cancer.
Genetics and Cancer
Most cancers occur sporadically, meaning they are thought to be related to chance, aging, or environmental factors. However, approximately 5-10% of all cancers are hereditary, meaning that they are caused by an inherited gene mutation that can run in a family. For example, mutations (or changes) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes cause an increased risk for breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, and can be passed down from either side of a family.
Not everyone who has a personal or family history of cancer needs to have genetic testing. But if a family has certain risk factors for a hereditary cause of cancer, genetic testing should be considered. Genetic testing is helpful to identify family members at increased risk for cancer and can help them make a personalized plan for cancer treatment, screening and prevention. Read more information on genetics and cancer.
Contact a Genetic Counselor
If you have a personal or family history of cancer, ask your doctor or contact our genetics team to find out if genetic testing is right for you or a family member.
Phone: 404-425-7300 or 478-464-1646