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Five life-saving cancer screening tests you can’t ignore

Cancer screening refers to tests that look for cancer or abnormal cells which could develop into cancer. They are usually given to people who have no symptoms as a preventative measure. When cancer or abnormal cells are identified early before symptoms develop, treatment is often easier and more effective. When cancer symptoms develop, the cancer may have spread making treatment more challenging. Here are five screening tests that are recommended by the American Cancer Society.

Mammography
This screening method helps identify breast cancer. It has been shown to reduce breast cancer deaths for women between the ages of 40 to 74. Most women choose to have the screening annually when they reach 40 to 44 years of age. It is recommended that women 55 and older switch to screenings every other year. Some women with a family history, a genetic tendency, or other factors might choose to have more frequent mammograms which may be combined with an MRI. Statistics from a National Cancer Institute five-year study completed in 2014, show that when there is an early detection of cancer that has not spread outside of the breast, there is a 99 percent five-year relative survival rate. Relative survival rate compares women with the same type and stage of breast cancer to women in the overall population. So therefore, it means that women with breast cancer who have a 99 percent survival rate are 99 percent as likely as women who don’t have that cancer to live for at least five years after being diagnosed. Since the study was completed in 2014, new more successful treatments have been developed, which may have increased these survival rates.

Colon and rectal cancer screening
Regular screenings for colon and rectal cancer is recommended to begin at age 45. Regular screening should continue through age 75. After this age, screening options should be discussed with your doctor to decide which is the safest. After 85, regular screening is not recommended. When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year relative survival rate is about 90 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.

Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer testing should start at age 21 and continue at three-year intervals until the age of 65. If tests have been normal for 10 years, testing can be stopped at age 65. The relative survival rate for women whose cancer was found early before it spread outside the cervix or uterus is 92 percent based on the study from the National Cancer Institute completed in 2014. This rate may have improved in recent years as treatment methods have improved.

Lung cancer screening
Yearly lung cancer screening using a low-dose CT scan is only recommended for people aged 55 to 74 who currently smoke or who have smoked in the past 15 years. It is also strongly suggested to take steps to quit smoking if possible. The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is 56 percent for cases detected when the disease is still localized, according to the American Lung Association.

Prostate cancer screening
There are several factors to consider when deciding to be screened for prostate cancer including family history. Most men should discuss being tested with their health care provider at age 50. African American men or men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer before the age of 65 should discuss testing once they are 45. The relative five-year survival rate for men who are diagnosed early before the cancer has spread outside the prostate is nearly 100 percent.

The road to recovery
When cancer is not detected early, the recovery from treatment can be challenging. Choosing to recover in a short-term care facility can often bring about a shorter and a more effective outcome. Glenview Terrace offers an outstanding short-term care option including specialized programs for colorectal and lung cancer care. Nurses trained in ostomy wound care, dietitians who can provide proper nutrition and on-site respiratory therapy are just some of the specialized services offered at Glenview Terrace. Each guest is carefully evaluated during their stay at Glenview Terrace and receives individualized treatment resulting in fewer complication rates, decreased costs, shorter lengths of stay, fewer hospital readmissions and better patient satisfaction. Glenview Terrace’s outstanding level of service, expertise and clinical outcome has been awarded Medicare’s highest five-star quality rating.

All of this highly-qualified care is delivered in an elegant setting featuring meticulously landscaped grounds and spacious, well-appointed rooms with deluxe, walk-in bathrooms. Guests during a short-term rehabilitation stay can also choose to relax in their rooms with a stunning array of amenities like concierge service, coffee and newspaper delivered every morning and dozens of cable channels with an exclusive channel featuring new movies.

When facing a cancer or other medical challenges, team up with the acclaimed experts at Glenview Terrace for a successful recovery. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.

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