Important Cancer Screenings - What You Should Know
Regular screenings are one of the most powerful weapons against the top cancers we see in our tri-state region. Screenings truly can help prevent or find cancer early, increasing your chances of survivability. Don’t take the chance - talk to your family doctor about your risks and which of these screenings you should have and when.
We have put together the key screenings men and women need at certain ages. Please note these are the standard recommendations from the American Cancer Society. Based on your personal and family health history, your primary care/family medicine physician may have other recommendations - that is why it important to routinely see your physician and have this conversation.
*Please note that the above guidelines are from the American Cancer Society for those adults with average risk. Practitioners in our region may follow guidelines from different sources that are more specific to their area of practice and may have other recommendations for you based on your personal and family history.
Don’t have a dedicated personal/family physician? Find one here:
The Facts About Cancer & Screenings in Siouxland
Breast Cancer:
About 1 in 8 women born today in the U. S. will get breast cancer at some point. Breast cancer is one of the top diagnosed cancers in Iowa and one of the top cancers we treat here at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. Per the 2004-2015 Iowa Cancer Registry, the risk of developing late stage breast cancer is higher in the Sioux City area compared to the 12-year state average.
Nearly 30% of new cancer diagnoses in Iowa women in 2021 are projected to be breast cancer. Cancer overall is expected to grow in Iowa by 6.9% in 5 years or 11.7% in 10 years.
Data shows Siouxland women are not getting mammograms. According to 2018 screening data that is part of county data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) under the CDC, the Sioux City area is the lowest metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas (MMSAs) in Iowa with women aged 40+ getting a mammogram in the past 2 years.
Perform monthly self-breast exams. According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump.” Have a routine clinical breast exam by your medical provider and talk with them about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them. American Cancer Society recommends starting at age 40 - 45 and to get them annually, but those at higher risk would start earlier.
Cervical Cancer:
According to 2018 screening data that is part of county data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) under the CDC, the Sioux City area is the lowest metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas (MMSAs) in Iowa with women ages 21-65 getting a Pap test in the past 3 years.
According to the American Cancer Society, the cervical cancer death rate has dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test, which is the screening procedure that can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops or identifies the cancer early when it’s easier to cure. In recent years, the HPV test has been approved as another screening test for cervical cancer since almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). This test looks for infection by high-risk types of HPV that are more likely to cause pre-cancers and cancers of the cervix. Gynecologists recommend most women aged 21-65 years should get Pap smears (at least) every three years as part of routine preventive care.
Colorectal Cancer:
This is the second leading cancer killer and third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the U.S.. Per the 2004-2015 Iowa Cancer Registry, the risk of developing colorectal cancer in the Sioux City area is higher than the 12-year state average. Colorectal cancer is one of the top cancers we treat at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center.
About 9% of new cancer diagnoses in both Iowa men and women in 2021 are projected to be colorectal cancer. Cancer overall is expected to grow in Iowa by 6.9% in 5 years or 11.7% in 10 years.
Data shows Siouxlanders are not getting their timely colonoscopies. According to 2018 screening data that is part of county data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) under the CDC, the Sioux City area is the lowest metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas (MMSAs) in Iowa with persons ages 50-75 getting a colonoscopy in the last 10 years.
Colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early. In many cases, you can stop it before it starts. Over half of the deaths due to colon cancer each year could have been avoided if those aged 50 and older were being screened for colon cancer.
Your primary care physician will decide when you should get your first colon cancer screening – the recommendation recently changed from starting at the age of 50 to starting at the age of 45 for adults with average risk. The preferred screening method is a colonoscopy, but there are other screening options available for those with average risk.
Lung Cancer:
According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 16 will develop lung cancer. The risk of developing lung cancer in the Sioux City area is higher in some zip codes than the 12-year state average per the Iowa Cancer Registry data and it is one of the top cancer diagnoses in our state.
Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in men and women in every ethnic group, even in non-smokers. Lung cancer takes the lives of more people than prostate, colon, and breast cancer combined.
About 13% of new cancer diagnoses in both Iowa men and women in 2021 are projected to be lung cancer. Cancer overall is expected to grow in Iowa by 6.9% in 5 years or 11.7% in 10 years.
While smoking/second hand smoke is one of the greatest risks to developing lung cancer, as many as 20% of people who pass away in the United States every year have never smoked or used any other form of tobacco. Additional risk factors include prolonged exposure to asbestos, radon gas, and other air pollutants.
A low-dose computed tomography (CT) lung screening is recommended for current or former smokers between the ages of 55 and 77. If you have risk factors or family history of lung cancer speak with your family doctor about this screening.
Melanoma & Skin Cancers:
1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Per the American Cancer Society, melanoma is one of the top 5 cancer diagnosis in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. It is also one of the top cancers treated at our clinic. Melanoma is projected to be about 6% of the new cancer diagnoses in Iowa in 2021.
Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sun damage is cumulative and about 23% of lifetime exposure occurs by age 18 and 47% between ages 19 and 40.
Sunstation USA says regular use of SPF 30 sunscreen could reduce skin cancer rates by 78%. Yet only one-third of the population currently uses sunscreen.
Limiting your sun exposure (especially middle of the day) is the first line of defense, but if you cannot do that, wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen are key. Check your skin regularly and report any changes to your doctor. The best screening is a full skin examination with a dermatologist. If detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%.
Prostate Cancer:
Prostate cancer is one of the top 3 cancers diagnosed in the United States and 1 in 3 men treated for prostate cancer experience a biochemical recurrence within 10 years. According to the Iowa Cancer Registry, prostate cancer is one of the top diagnosis in this state and it is also one of the top cancers JENCC treats.
More than 25% of new cancer diagnoses in Iowa men in 2021 is projected to be prostate cancer. Cancer overall is expected to grow in Iowa by 6.9% in 5 years or 11.7% in 10 years.
There are different options for prostate screening. It’s important to discuss your options, including their possible pros and cons, with your doctor to help you choose one. Screening would start at age 50, unless your doctor determines higher risk.
We are thankful for KTIV Siouxland’s News Channel 4 for partnering with us on this awareness campaign. In addition to airing a PSA spot for September and October, their news team is doing several stories to deep dive into each of the cancer screenings to help Siouxlanders understand more about each one.
Story 1 Aired September 14, 2021: Recent data shows cancer screenings have dropped in Siouxland, increasing cancer diagnoses. Dr. Matthew Obinna Nwaneri, Medical Director at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center, explains more about the importance behind this awareness campaign and the hope to change our local statistics.
Story 2 Aired September 28: A colonoscopy found cancer before Cathleen even had “typical” symptoms. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. It's important to get screened regularly. Watch to hear Cathleen’s story and learn more when your colorectal screenings should start.
Story 4 Aired October 13: The American Cancer Association says lung cancer kills more people than prostate, colon and breast cancer combined, but when caught early, it is more treatable. If you wait until you have symptoms of lung cancer, you lower your chances of surviving. It is important to meet with your primary care physician to review your risks of lung cancer like smoking or radon exposure. If your doctor sees any risk, they will likely send you for a low-dose CT scan to screen for cancer in your lungs. Learn more about the risks of lung cancer and screening for it in this story.
Story 6 Aired October 26: Julie is currently dealing with her third bout of skin cancer. She stresses the importance of going to a dermatologist or primary care doctor once a year to have your skin checked. You should also learn the A-B-C-D of watching your own skin between those check-ups.
Story 3 Aired October 5: Candace was “too busy” and canceled her mammogram. When her physician reminded her she was past due, she finally got her breast cancer screening done - and she is thankful she did. The mammogram detected 4 microscopic tumors. Watch to hear more about Candace’s story and learn more about the importance of mammograms to screen for breast cancer.
Story 5 Aired October 19: Other than skin cancer, the American Cancer Society says prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. Screening starts at age 50 for a man, at average risk, who has at least a 10-year life expectancy. Learn more about screening for prostate cancer in this story.