According to a recent survey by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), nearly two-thirds of women believe that if no one in their family has cancer, they are unlikely to develop the disease themselves.

Unfortunately, this misconception has lead to a great deal of inaction. For example, 18 percent of women have not had a Pap test or mammography in the past year because they didn’t think the tests were necessary.

Cancer Does Not Discriminate
The truth is that most cancers occur in people with no family history of the disease. That’s why no matter what, all women should have cancer screenings as recommended by their doctors.

According to the ACOG, all women ages 18 and older should have an annual gynecologic exam, including a pelvic exam. Women should also schedule screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer.

Recommended Screenings
Cancer screenings are so important because early detection of cancer increases the chance of successful treatment. The ACOG recommends the following cancer screenings:

• Breast cancer. Have a doctor examine your breasts once a year. Mammography is recommended every one to two years for women in their 40s and annually for women ages 50 and older. Some experts recommend that women do a breast self-exam once a month.
• Cervical cancer. The Pap test is used to help detect cervical cancer. Women older than age 65 may not need routine Pap tests if their previous test results were normal. Talk with your doctor to see how often you should be screened.
• Colorectal cancer. If precancerous polyps—or growths—are found and removed, colorectal cancer can be stopped before it even begins. Colonoscopy, in which a doctor uses a camera attached to a flexible tube to examine the colon, is the preferred screening tool for detecting and removing polyps. The ACOG recently instituted new guidelines recommending that women ages 50 and older have a colonoscopy every 10 years.

Get Screened, and You Could Win a $15 Gift Card!
When you see your doctor for a preventive visit, cholesterol test, or screening for cervical, breast, or colorectal cancer, you’ll be entered into a monthly drawing for a $15 gift card. It’s all thanks to Paramount Perks. So call today for an appointment and make your body and wallet healthier.