Some Tests I Wouldn’t
Mind Taking
In The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of
Cancer a large portion of the text introduced the various screening tests
available for breast and cervical cancer.
The history and clinical trials for each test were also expanded upon
and the potential benefits and some negative aspects were mentioned as a result
of these trials. Along with these two
tests, another two were found to be helpful in preventing late stage colon and
lung cancer or at least detecting the cancer at an earlier stage to help
maximize survival rates of cancer patients.
Breast Cancer:
The
introduction of the mammography incidentally increased the reported cases of
breast cancer, a logical assumption because more early-stage breast cancer
tumors were being reported (Mukherjee). After clinical trials, it was
determined that the mammography was more efficient in finding tumors in women
older than 55 that were able to be cured.
Other tests recommended for breast cancer are self-check exams and
clinical breast exams (Breast).
Breast Cancer Examination Test
Cervical Cancer:
A Pap test,
originally created by Papanicolaou, involves the examination of cervical cells
under a microscope to find abnormalities in the cell organelles that could show
the pre-metastatic stages of cancer (Mukherjee). Women between the ages of 21-65 are
recommended to receive this test. Like
many tests, a Pap smear can yield abnormal results, but a majority of the time
this is due to a small benign change in the cervix not a cancerous change.
Colon
cancer is a result of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon or rectum (Cancer). The colonoscopy is used to detect these
polyps and remove them before full blown cancer forms in the large
intestine. People between the ages of
50-75 are recommended to get a colonoscopy once a year in order to assure that
no polyps are present (Colon). Obviously
genetic factors, such familial history of colon cancer, can affect the age at
which testing starts.
Lung Cancer:
Lung cancer
screening is recommended for heavy smokers or people who have just quit between
the ages of 55-80. It involves low-dose
tomography scan also known as a CT scan (Cancer). Some negative effects of this particular test
is the result of a false-positive, the discovery of another type of cancer, or
radiation exposure from multiple LCDT tests in a healthy person (Lung). Obviously a potential benefit is the finding
of lung cancer and the ability to start treatment at an earlier stage and
increase the results of survival.
Lung Cancer Testing Procedure
As a women
in a world where the cures for cancer are limited and the chances of developing
a metastatic cancer are high, screening is a valuable resource. Even if I develop a cancerous mass, it could
be detected at an early stage which could increase my chances of survival. The
Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer opened my eyes to the
serious complications of late stage cancer and have prompted me to take action
when I can to prevent myself from succumbing to an unfortunate death.
Mukherjee, Siddhartha. The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer. New York: Scribner, 2010. Print.
"What Screening Tests
Are There?" Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 07 Oct. 2014. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.
(Breast)
"What Screening Tests
Are There?" Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 14 Mar. 2016. Web. 11 Apr. 2016. (Lung)
"What Should I Know
About Screening?" Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 17 Feb. 2016. Web. 11 Apr. 2016. (Colon)
"Cancer Screening
Tests." Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 23 Apr. 2015. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.
Breast Cancer Screening Picture: http://www.medifee.com/blog/breast-cancer-check-up-when-how-and-how-often/
Lung Cancer Screening Picture: http://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/patient/small-cell-lung-treatment-pdq
I agree that these are some test that I would not mind taking. A key factor in curing someone's cancer is early diagnosis and with the knowledge of the possible tests out there, it amazes me that people do not utilize these enough on their own. Although it can be a scary and nerve wrecking process, the results could be life altering and end up saving you years on your life or years of not knowing what's happening in your body.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very informative post, especially since the tests that you highlighted are for some of the most common forms of cancer. As I learned more about cancer treatment, it's amazing to think that half of the battle is just detecting it early enough. While so much research is being done on treatments for cancer, we simultaneously must be trying to find better ways to detect cancer. To be able to treat it, you first have to detect it.
ReplyDeleteAs stated in both Mattina's and Rachel's comments, the key factor of curing a person's cancer is by detecting the cancer early instead of waiting until the cancer has metastasized to different parts of the body. Even with these detection tools present, people refuse to get these tests done, probably fearing the outcome of the tests. I understand the apprehension for taking these tests, but, by detecting cancerous signs early, the patient will have a better chance of eradicating cancer from his or her body.
ReplyDeleteThere has been a lot of debate recently surrounding when women should begin getting mammograms. Originally, it was recommended that all women above the age of 40 be tested at least once a year. Mammograms, however, will expose a woman to radiation, which can actually increase their risk of developing breast cancer, so this risk must be taken into account. Many organizations, such as the US Preventative Services Taskforce, recommend that women begin getting mammograms every other year starting at the age of 50 to reduce any ill effects of the test. As with any medical exam, it is important to educate yourself on all side effects associated with the test, and how they relate to the potential benefits.
ReplyDeleteI personally do believe in the idea that if there are solutions and ways to prevent diseases, that they should be enforced to the public for the simple idea that we are looking out for the public. Things like screenings and tests that can predict, show, and diagnose diseases can prevent those same diseases from getting worse over time. Simple balance between what is right and what is ethical. Being right would save a lot more lives, that is for sure.
ReplyDeleteScreening test have been shown to save lives by finding cancer while it is still treatable. Recently, there have been many changes in the recommendations for screening and many of the organizations disagree on when to start screening, stop screening, and the frequency of screening. This questions if screening is to save lives or to save insurance companies money.
ReplyDelete