-
Birth of Patients (Twins F & M)
Birth of our theoretical patients. One female and one male (twins). Assume they do not have a family history of cancer and will not need more extreme screenings and will instead follow a more common plan. -
Endometrial Cancer (Women)
Most commonly known as Uterine cancer, Endometrial Cancer is the cancer of the uterus and is usually tested for along with the pap smears; however, there is no recommended time frame for testing and usually is up to risk factors and results from the pap smear test. It is most commonly detected through ultrasound, aforementioned pap smear tests, and uterine biopsy. -
Cervical Cancer (Women)
Ages 20-30 Women should have a pap smear (the collection of cells from the cervix) and have these cells studied under a microscope to attempt to detect any abnormal or possibly cancerous cells (also called the Papanicolaou test) every three years. Around 30 women can also choose to do combined Cytology and HPV testing (due to the virus's ability to cause cancer) every 5 or so years until the patient is no longer at a risk for HPV (usually 65-70). the Papanicolaou test is also usually stopped. -
Breast Cancer Screenings (Both Genders)
Starting at ages ~40 both genders should start to have annual mammography x-rays taken. These x-rays will help detect any possible formation of tumors in the breast tissue. Around age 55 these exams should probably become biannual. Tumors can also be felt for by patients at home whenever; doctors will usually palpate breasts during routine physical checkups. Screenings will occur until the death of the patient usually. -
Prostate (Men)
Starting at ~age 45-50 men begin screening for prostate cancer through a PSA test (PSA is a naturally produced protein in the prostate but will increase production in cancerous cells), which measures the amount of PSA in ng/mL in the blood. The test is then repeated every 3 or so years, though some men will have their prostate palpated by a doctor to check for enlargement (which could be cancer our just an enlarged prostate that occurs with age). -
Colorectal Cancer (Both Genders)
Cancer of the colon and rectum. Tests should start around 50 and if there is no formation of tumors detected during a colonoscopy (camera run through the rectum and colon tract) and if the fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), both tests that look for trace samples of blood in the stool (due to the fact polyps and tumors can bleed a test should be repeated in 10 years (though this can obviously change based on risk factors of the patient). -
Lung Cancer (Both Genders)
Lung cancer screening is usually started around age 55 for both genders. Doctors use x-rays of the lungs to attempt to detect and cancerous or abnormal growths. Tests are routinely done annually until 80 or so (depending on risk factors) (though tests can be done less or more frequently depending on risk factors).