Cancer early detection and survivorship

The colon is where digested food goes so you can have a bowel movement, which goes through the rectum. Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. It is often called colon cancer for short.

You may be more likely to develop Colon Cancer if you:

• Have a family history of colon cancer
• Are Black, American Indian, and Alaskan Native. These racial groups get colon cancer more than other racial groups

There are multiple types of screenings for colorectal cancer. The two most common are:

• Stool Test: Also called FIT. This test is done at home using a test kit. You collect a sample of your poop (stool) and send it to a participating lab
• Colonoscopy:  This test is typically done by a specialist in a clinic, who uses a tube to look for polyps or cancer inside the rectum or the entire colon

Always start by talking with your healthcare provider. 

• If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk with your healthcare provider about when to start screening and how often you should screen
• If you are 45 years or older and not at high risk, get a stool test (FIT) every year.  If you choose to get a colonoscopy, the frequency of the screening will depend on what was found during the procedure
• Screening is not recommended for individuals 75 years and older unless directed by your healthcare provider

For more information, visit the CDC's Colorectal Cancer website and the Colon Cancer Coalition.

 Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer.

You may be more likely to develop breast cancer if you:

• Have a family history of breast cancer
• Are Black, Asian, American Indian, and Alaskan Native. Women from these racial groups are at higher risk of breast cancer compared to white women

 Breast Cancer is screened with a mammogram.

• A mammogram is a low-dose (amount) x-ray that allows doctors to look for changes in breast tissue
• It uses a machine that takes x-rays of breast tissue. The machine takes x-rays at lower doses of radiation than usual x-rays

Always start by talking with your healthcare provider. Women should get a mammogram depending on their age and risk factors. If you are…

• Under 40: Talk to your provider if you would like to be screened or if you have a family history of breast cancer
• 40-49 years old: Get a mammogram every 2 years if you have a family history of breast cancer. Talk with your healthcare provider and decide when to start screenings
• 50-74 years old: Get a mammogram every 2 years
• 75 years and older: Discuss the need for further screenings with your provider

For more information, visit the CDC's Breast Cancer website. 

When cancer starts in the lungs, it is called lung cancer.

You may be more likely to develop lung cancer if you:

• Currently or previously smoked tobacco products
• Have been exposed to chemicals such as radon, asbestos, and diesel fumes
• Have a history of certain cancers
• Have a family history of lung cancer
• Have a history of COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
• Are Black, Alaskan Native, and American Indian. These racial groups get lung cancer more than other races

A low-dose CT (LDCT) is used to screen lung cancer.

• During an LDCT scan, an X-ray machine takes detailed images of your lungs
• The scan only takes a few minutes and is not painful

Always start by talking with your healthcare provider. If you are 50-80 years old and have smoked, talk with your healthcare provider about getting screened for lung cancer and when to start. Testing is done yearly. 

For more information, visit the CDC’s Lung Cancer website.

When cancer starts in the skin, it is called skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.

You may be more likely to develop skin cancer if you:

• Are 65 or older
• Have fair skin
• Have chronic exposure to the sun regardless of skin type (chronic sunburns)
• Have sun sensitivity
• Have a large number of moles (more than 100)
• Have a family history of skin cancer

A total body skin examination (TBSE) is a visual examination of the skin that can be done by your regular doctor and followed up by a dermatologist.

• The screening checks moles, birthmarks, or other marks that are unusual or have changed
• Certain unusual marks or changes may be signs of skin cancer

If you have any of the risk factors noted above, talk to your provider about getting screened for skin cancer.  

You can also complete a self-screening. If you have any concerns after completing the self-screening, talk to your provider. To do a head-to-toe screening of your skin:

• Be in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror
• Have a hand mirror to check areas that are hard to see
• Check all areas of your body including behind your legs, under your feet and on your scalp
• Check moles for signs of melanoma by using the following criteria:
  • Asymmetry: The mole has an odd shape, with half of it not matching the other half
  • Border: The border of the mole is ragged or irregular
  • Color: The color of the mole is uneven
  • Diameter: The mole is bigger than the size of a pea or a pencil eraser
  • Evolving: The mole has changed in size, shape, or color

For more information, visit the CDC’s Skin Cancer website.