Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death among men and women in the United States. It is also one of the most preventable through early detection screenings - the colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. The Tri-Cities region has a higher incidence of late stage colorectal cancer diagnosis than State and national findings. The intent of this screening is to reduce the number of late stage cancer findings and instead find early stage colorectal cancer, which is very treatable. Colonoscopies can detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps, preventing cancer, and also detect and remove cancerous polyps during the procedure.
Who should be screened:
- Men and women age 50-75 (Ages 75+ should consult their doctor)
- Those at high risk of colorectal cancer should begin screening at a younger age
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men. More men will die from lung cancer than from prostate, colorectal and testicular cancer combined. The best way to prevent lung cancer is to never smoke. If you do smoke, reduce your risk of a cancer diagnosis by quitting today. We have a free Quit Tobacco program offered monthly to help you give tobacco the boot.
If you have a significant smoking history, you may qualify for our low-cost Lung Screening Program. Be sure to check it out – our program could literally save your life.
Prostate Cancer
- Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnoses cancer in men (aside from cancers of the skin).
- Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in men.
- 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
- Starting at age 50, men of average risk should consider being screened for prostate cancer.
- Men 70 and above and in good health should consult their physician and determine the best path for their personal healthcare needs as it relates to screening.
- Prostate cancer screening includes a digital rectal exam and PSA blood test. It may be appropriate for men with a family history to start sooner.
- While prostate cancer is a very serious disease, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer will not die from the disease.
What is involved in the prostate cancer screening?
- Medical history (including discussion of risk factors), a prostate specific antigen blood test (PSA) and a digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by a physician.
- Whether or not to have a prostate cancer screening on a regular basis is a controversial topic. We recommend knowing your risk factors and having a conversation with your primary care physician to determine if screening is appropriate for you.
How is prostate cancer treated?
- Active Surveillance
- Likely to be recommended if cancer is low risk, if patient is older or has other serious medical conditions
- PSA will be checked periodically and prostate biopsies will be performed on a regular basis to ensure that your prostate cancer is not becoming more aggressive
- Prostatectomy (surgery)
- Radiation therapy with external beam radiation
- Permanent radioactive seed implants
Testicular Cancer
- Testicular cancer is most often found in men ages 15 – 35.
- Testicular cancer is most often a young man’s disease: average age 33 at diagnosis.
- Testicular cancer is very treatable and often curable cancer. Early detection is key!
- Testicular cancer, while very serious, is not a common condition. 1 in 250 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in their lifetime.
- Due to great treatment options, only 1 in 5000 men will lose their life to testicular cancer.
- A higher percentage of the time, testicular cancer appears as a lump in the testicles.
- Talk to your physician should you notice any physical changes
