Newswise — The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) is making experts available to discuss the importance of regular cancer screenings during this Screening and Early Detection for Cancer Month. Abnormal cells that can become cancer cells can be detected through a variety of tests. The American Cancer Society recommends the following cancer screenings on a regular basis:
Breast Cancer:Breast self-exams starting in the early 20sAnnual mammograms starting at age 40 (noting family or genetic history may prompt an earlier start and/or more frequent check-ups)
Colon and Rectal Cancer:Starting at age 50, both men and women should follow a testing schedule of:Colonoscopy every 10 yearsDouble-contrast barium enema every 5 yearsOr other test tract as discussed with a healthcare professional
Cervical Cancer:Women should begin cervical cancer screenings about three years after having vaginal intercourse, but no later than 21 years old. After age 21, cervical screening should be done every year.
Prostate Cancer:Men age 50 and over should have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal examination (DRE) annually.Men who are at higher risk, ie: African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer, should begin testing annually at age 45 or 40 depending on risk factors discussed with a medical professional.
CINJ experts available for comment include:
David A. August, MD, is the chief of the division of surgical oncology at CINJ and professor of surgery at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. August is also the director of CINJ's Gastrointestinal/Hepatobiliary Oncology Program, which is a multidisciplinary clinical and scientific program that provides comprehensive services to patients with pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions involving the pancreas and other gastrointestinal organs. Dr. August can discuss the importance of patients having a comprehensive evaluation under one roof with a close collaboration of multiple specialists including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and other experts.
Lorna RodrÃguez, MD, PhD, is the chief of gynecologic oncology at CINJ, and associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Rodriguez can discuss the importance of annual screenings and the benefits of the cancer vaccination designed to prevent the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a risk factor in developing cervical cancer.
Isaac Kim, MD, PhD, is the director of the Urologic Oncology Program at CINJ and assistant professor of surgery at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. His research interests include tumor immunology focusing on immunosuppressive factors produced by prostate cancer cells. He has a specialty interest in robotic- and minimally-invasive surgery. Dr. Kim is the physician in charge of CINJ's annual prostate cancer screenings, and he can discuss the importance of annual testing, especially for at-risk populations such as African American men and those with a family history. He also can provide insight regarding follow-up screening frequency for significantly older men, who have been diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer.
Dorothy Pierce, APN, is an advanced practice nurse at CINJ. Ms. Pierce educates her patients on the importance of and how to do breast self-examinations. In women who currently have breast cancer, this practice is considered to be a proactive approach to identifying reoccurrence at an earlier stage. She also can discuss how breast self exams play a vital role in a female's overall health and how it should be incorporated into a woman's regular routine.
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