Cancer Screening with the Polk HealthCare Plan
By: Todd Wills, MD, FACP
Polk HealthCare Plan – Medical Director
Your primary care provider (PCP) is a great resource for discussions regarding your overall health, including your risk for cancer. February is National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month and the perfect time to see your PCP to find out which preventive screenings or exams may be right for you.
Many cancers are linked to lifestyle factors including obesity, smoking or alcohol use. Your PCP can work with you to reduce these risks. Additionally, cancer screening tests can help you and your PCP identify cancerous or precancerous cells before they cause any symptoms. Early detection of cancer can allow for treatment plans to be started earlier and helps save lives.
Colon Cancer: Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for colon cancer to start at age 45. Some patients with a family history of cancer or personal history of inflammatory bowel disease should begin screening even earlier. Several screening options exist including tests of your stool for possible signs of cancer or a colonoscopy which allows your physician to visualize and even remove precancerous lesions. Talk to your PCP to choose the screening test which is best for you.
Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Overall, women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer at some point in their lives. The USPSTF recommends screening for breast cancer with a mammogram every other year for women aged 40-74 years old. Your primary care provider can discuss your specific risk and help arrange this test for you.
Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. There is a significant link between smoking and lung cancer risk. The USPSTF recommends screening for lung cancer using a low radiation dose CT scan for all persons aged 50-80 who meet the following criteria:
- History of smoking 20 packs per year or greater
- Current smoker
- Former smoker who quit within the last 15 years
Your PCP can help you assess your individual risk and arrange the appropriate screening test.
Cervical Cancer: Women should be screened for cervical cancer starting at age 21 with a pap smear. A test for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is strongly linked to cervical cancer, can be performed at the same time. Your PCP or women’s health provider can discuss the appropriate timing and testing strategy for you based on your own personal health history. Your PCP can also discuss the HPV vaccine which significantly reduces cervical cancer risk.
Prostate Cancer: Approximately 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Prostate cancer has a high survival rate with 97.5% of men alive at five years after their initial diagnosis. The USPSTF recommends that patients and PCP begin discussions regarding prostate cancer screening with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test at age 55. Patients and their providers should engage in shared decision making regarding this screening based on the patient’s individual health goals and priorities.
The Polk HealthCare Plan offers members coverage for screenings that can help detect or prevent cancer early. Many of these services are available with a low copay or at no cost to the member. If you are a current Polk HealthCare Plan member, your case manager can help you connect with your PCP. To find out if you qualify for the Polk HealthCare Plan, start here.