Summary
This article explains that getting screened for cancer is important because it can help find cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Many people wait too long or don’t get screened at all, but regular check-ups can save lives. Screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, and prostate exams can catch cancer before symptoms appear. Talk to your doctor about which screenings are right for you based on your age, family history, and health. Taking this step can help protect your health and give you more time with the people you love.
Did you know the second leading cause of death in the United States was cancer?
That’s right!
Many people don’t realize the importance of cancer screening until it’s too late.
What is cancer screening?
Cancer screenings are simple tests that check your body for signs of cancer before you feel sick or have symptoms.
Many people don’t know that if cancer is found early, it is easier to treat, and that can help save your life.
Although cancer can happen to anyone, studies show that African American men and women are often told they have cancer at a later stage.
This means cancer has had more time to grow, and it becomes harder to treat.
But why is the African American community affected so harshly?
There are several reasons.
We can start with the idea that many people, specifically in the African American community, don’t trust the medical system because of past events, like the Tuskegee Study, where African Americans were treated unfairly and poorly.
Although that happened many years ago, it still affects how people feel today.
The good news is, today we have rights, and people are working hard to make sure that what happened back then doesn’t happen again.
Another concern is the cost of not having easy access to doctors.
But help is out there.
Most people don’t know this, but your local health departments often offer free or low-cost screenings.
You can also visit websites like FindHelp.org to learn about more places that can support you.
The help is out there.
A big concern is fear.
A lot of people are scared of what the test might show.
We’ve all been in a place in our lives where we had an issue and kept pushing it to the side in hopes that the problem would go away, but ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away.
I can use my mom, for example.
My mom found a lump on one of her breasts one day, which raised concerns for her.
She went to the doctor, and had it checked early, she got help quickly, and because she didn’t allow her fear to take over, she’s still here today.
Facing the truth saved her life.
Let’s talk about a few common types of cancer and how screenings can help.
Did you know that Colorectal cancer (also called colon cancer) affects both men and women?
African Americans are more likely to get this cancer and at a younger age.
It often starts as small growths called polyps, which can be removed painlessly if caught early.
Doctors recommend getting tested at age 45 or earlier if it runs in your family.
Breast cancer is common in women, but it is very treatable when found early.
According to the American Cancer Society, women should begin talking to their doctors about mammograms by age 40 and get regular ones by age 45.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may need to start sooner.
Lastly, let’s talk about prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer mostly affects men, and Black men have a higher risk.
Talk to your doctor about starting screenings at age 45 or earlier if needed.
Two common tests are a PSA blood test and a rectal exam.
All in all, there are several different cancers that you can get screened for.
If you haven’t been screened yet, don’t wait.
Ask your doctor or call your local health department.
You have to be the biggest advocate for yourself.
Taking care of yourself today could save your life tomorrow.
