Cancer Prevention Specialist

How do you screen for cancer?

The doctors at Martin, Lee & Page OBGYN can accomplish a lot in terms of spotting reproductive cancers before they take hold. To that end, they recommend two important screenings:

Pap test

A Pap test, which is a simple swab of your cervix, can detect cell changes on the surface of your cervix. These changes in and of themselves aren’t necessarily cause for alarm, but they’re considered precancerous and warrant careful monitoring in case they develop into cervical cancer.

Breast cancer screening

Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States, making it a fairly common form of cancer. The good news is that with regular screenings, you can catch breast cancer early, boosting your chances of successfully fighting it.

During your regular visits at Martin, Lee & Page OBGYN, your doctor performs a manual examination of your breasts and lymph nodes, feeling for any irregular lumps.

For women over 40, mammograms also play a crucial role in screening for breast cancer. This advanced imaging allows your doctor a more detailed look at the tissue inside your breasts in order to detect any abnormalities.

How often should I be screened for breast and cervical cancer?

For each of these tests, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has specific recommendations based on your age and your risk factors.

For breast cancer, the CDC recommends that you get a mammogram every three years between the ages of 50 and 74. If you’re in your 40s, the CDC recommends talking with your doctor to determine an appropriate schedule.

When it comes to Pap tests, the CDC recommends that women between the ages of 20 and 29 be tested every three years. From the age of 30 to 65, women should get a Pap and HPV test every five years.

What happens if something turns up during a mammogram?

Mammograms provide a fair amount of information, but if your breast tissue is too dense, which is common, you may need to undergo further testing with an ultrasound or MRI. The doctors at Martin, Lee & Page OBGYN track your results and your risk factors and discuss an appropriate testing schedule with you.

To significantly boost your chances of fighting cancer, call Martin, Lee & Page OBGYN to find out about cancer screening, or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.