Breast and Colon Cancer Screenings and Early Detection Save Lives

In Michigan and the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death. 1 in 3 Michiganders will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and 1 in 5 deaths in Michigan are due to cancer. See The Figure below. Breast and colon cancers affect the health and well-being of people. Breast and colon cancer screening and early detection will help save lives and reduce the burden of cancer. Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts and occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon. Colon cancer begins when healthy cells in the colon develop changes in their DNA. The cancer cells can grow to invade and destroy normal tissue. Breast and colon cancer screening is an essential part of routine health care. Screening for breast and colon cancers can effectively reduce deaths from these cancers. Check your body for breast and colon cancers before you have symptoms. A breast self-exam for breast awareness helps you become familiar with your breast. During the breast self-exam, you check for a change, lumps, or other unusual signs in your breasts. American Cancer Society recommends breast cancer screening beginning at age 45 with the option to start at 40 and colon cancer screening for everyone beginning at age 45. See the Figure below. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early when it is easier to treat. Colonoscopy, stool DNA test, and fecal occult blood test are colon cancer screening tests. Regular colon cancer screening tests like colonoscopy help prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps before polyps turn into cancer. Your health is important. Are you getting regular breast and colon cancer screening tests? Get Screened. Get breast and colon cancer screening tests to help find breast and colon cancers early, when they may be easier to treat. Breast and colon cancer screenings and early detection save lives. IPH Detroit services include General Primary Care, Health Screenings, Health Education, Women’s Health and Gynecological care, Immunizations, and COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination. IPH is located at 9053 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Call 313-309-9350 ext. 2.