Episode Number
117
Episode Show Notes / Description
Did you know that roughly one in three people will get cancer at some point in their lifetime? Cancer rates are rising, which makes regular screenings more important than ever. Find out which ones are right for you!
Transcript
Good morning, this is your Wellness Wake Up Call with University of Illinois Extension.
Did you know that roughly one in three people will get cancer at some point in their lifetime? Cancer rates are rising, which makes regular screenings more important than ever. Screenings help find cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat — before it spreads and while success rates are highest.
Here are some common screening recommendations:
Online quizzes from credible sources can help you assess your personal cancer risk based on factors like family history, medical history, and weight. These can be helpful when starting a conversation with your health care provider.
Yearly blood tests can help detect early signs of cancer or other health issues. Skin checks starting at age 18 can catch changes in moles or spots that may be concerning. Pap smears should begin at age 21 every three years, while mammograms are recommended yearly starting at age 40.
For colon cancer, experts suggest a colonoscopy every ten years starting at age 45, with a stool test each year in between. A low-dose CT scan may be recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. And for men, prostate exams and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests typically begin at age 50.
Talk with your health care provider about your cancer risk and which screenings are right for you. This week, try taking an online self-assessment to better understand your risk — because early detection truly saves lives.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. The content for this episode was provided by Rachel Mannen, food and nutrition educator with University of Illinois Extension.
Resources
• https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/cancer-risk-360.html
Did you know that roughly one in three people will get cancer at some point in their lifetime? Cancer rates are rising, which makes regular screenings more important than ever. Screenings help find cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat — before it spreads and while success rates are highest.
Here are some common screening recommendations:
Online quizzes from credible sources can help you assess your personal cancer risk based on factors like family history, medical history, and weight. These can be helpful when starting a conversation with your health care provider.
Yearly blood tests can help detect early signs of cancer or other health issues. Skin checks starting at age 18 can catch changes in moles or spots that may be concerning. Pap smears should begin at age 21 every three years, while mammograms are recommended yearly starting at age 40.
For colon cancer, experts suggest a colonoscopy every ten years starting at age 45, with a stool test each year in between. A low-dose CT scan may be recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. And for men, prostate exams and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests typically begin at age 50.
Talk with your health care provider about your cancer risk and which screenings are right for you. This week, try taking an online self-assessment to better understand your risk — because early detection truly saves lives.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. The content for this episode was provided by Rachel Mannen, food and nutrition educator with University of Illinois Extension.
Resources
• https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/cancer-risk-360.html