Cancer isn’t a single disease but a group of related diseases.
Many factors in our genes, lifestyles, and environments can increase or reduce our risk of getting cancer. If you have cancer, you’re at a higher risk of more severe effects from COVID-19.
All adults between 45 and 75 should start regular tests to detect colon cancer.
If you have a family history of polyps or colon cancer, your healthcare professional may recommend a different schedule for screening tests.
Breast Cancer Screening Tests.
Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early.
Women aged 50 and older should have screening tests.
Women aged 40 – 49 should talk to their healthcare professionals about when to start their screening tests.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your healthcare professional; they may recommend a different schedule for screening tests.
Cervical Cancer Screening Tests.
Anyone with a uterus should have regular cervical cancer detection tests.
Pap smear tests and HPV tests can be used for cervical cancer detection. HPV causes cervical cancer. Getting the HPV vaccine when young can prevent cervical cancer (even if vaccinated, continue with detection tests).
People aged 21 – 65 should have Pap smear tests every 3 years.
You don’t need to have symptoms to have cancer. Screening tests can identify cancer earlier!
Inform a healthcare professional if you have a family history of cancer. More frequent and early detection tests may be recommended.
Prevention is always better than cure, stay aware!
More information and resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/
https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/
illness-and-disease-z/cancer/breast-
cervical-and-colon-health-program
https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/
illness-and-disease-z/cancer/breast-cancer
https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-
conditions/cancer/get-tested-breast-
cancer#the-basics_1
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer
/screening/screening-tests
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening
/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-
the-early-detection-of-cancer.html
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/cancer-and
-hispanic-americans
https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-
facts-statistics/hispanics-latinos-facts-
figures.html
