Wellness 101 Show - Cancer Screenings Save Lives

And now it’s time for another Wellness 101…Cancer Screenings Save Lives…presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network.

Hey guys, Mr. Wellness here... so… this is simple. Get screened for cancer because early detection saves lives! You should schedule and keep annual or semi-annual screenings for cancer just like you schedule your physical. Here are a few screenings to help you get started:

Breast Cancer
Approximately 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime… breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. There are a number of risk factors you can look for but having a risk factor does not mean you will get the disease. The best way to lower your risk is to be screened with a diagnostic mammogram annually once you reach the age of 40.

Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is common in both men and women. The risk of developing colorectal cancer rises after age 50. You're also more likely to get it if you have colorectal polyps, a family history of colorectal cancer and/or smoke. Because you may not have symptoms at first, it's important to get screened. Tests include a colonoscopy performed at the hospital and/or home tests such as Cologuard that look for blood in the stool.

Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. There are two main types of lung cancer and although they grow and are treated differently, smoking is the single largest risk factor. If you smoke, STOP! Often, lung cancer does not have any signs or symptoms. The best screening for lung cancer is a low-dose CT scan for most people.

Prostate Cancer
All men are at risk for prostate cancer, and the most common risk factor is age. Some men are at increased risk including those who are older, those who are African-American and those who have a family history of prostate cancer. Men aged 50-plus should consider undergoing the two most common screenings for prostate cancer -- a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal examination (DRE).

My friends, just because we’ve been in the grips of a global pandemic doesn’t mean you should let the little things go… you know, like cancer screenings? Live healthier, eat right and exercise. Check in with yourself. Schedule, AND KEEP, your annual physical. Finally… get screened for cancer because early detection saves lives!

Don’t forget to smash that like button and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more Wellness 101!

*DISCLAIMER – This video does not provide medical advice! The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this video are for informational purposes only. No material in this video is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you saw in this video.