Cancer Screening Saves Lives

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According to the National Cancer Institute, prevention and screening efforts have been major contributors to saving lives from breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer.* This National Cancer Prevention Month, we would like to remind you about the importance of preventative care.

Screening means checking your body for cancer before you have symptoms. Getting screening tests regularly may find breast, cervical, colorectal (colon), and lung cancers early, when treatment is likely to work best.** It is also important to note that individuals who have an increased risk, such as people with a family history of cancer, must start screenings early.

The following are some preventative screenings recommended for older adults:

  • Breast Cancer Screening (mammograms)
  • Cervical Cancer Screenings (Pap Test and HPV Test)
  • Prostate Cancer Screening
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening
  • Lung Cancer Screening (especially for people who have a history of heavy smoking and are between 50 and 80 years of age)
  • Other cancer screenings including, but not limited to, ovarian, pancreatic, and thyroid, as well as screenings recommended by your medical provider based on your health, history, and risk factors.

We also recommend the following:

  • See your doctor or medical provider regularly. Regular check-ups help medical professionals identify issues before they get worse and provide appropriate treatment as needed.
  • If you experience symptoms or any change in condition, let your medical provider know as soon as possible. You do not have to wait until your next appointment or assessment. CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participants can also speak with any member of their care team at any time if there’s any change in how they feel.
  • Live a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption can help decrease your risk of sickness. CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants can stay active by joining in on therapeutic recreation activities at the PACE centers or using our open gym. CenterLight dietitians can recommend a proper diet and educate participants and their caregivers on healthy meals. Consult with your medical provider to determine what exercise and/or diet works best for you.

Remember: preventative care works. The earlier cancer is detected, the higher the likelihood of effective treatments prolonging one's life.

CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.

This blog post is written by Lena Chang, MSN, NP-BC, Clinical Service Director at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.


Sources:

*From 1975-2020, https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/press-releases/2024/cancer-deaths-averted-prevention-screening-contribution

** https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prevention/screening.html

H3329 Blog_NoPOInfo_CancerScreenings
Updated December 19, 2024

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYSDOH. Participants may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services. Upon enrollment, the PACE program will be the participant’s sole service provider. Participants will have access to all services needed as identified by the Interdisciplinary Team, but not to a specific provider of these services. Please contact us for more information.

H3329 CLPACEWebsite Approved 10222024

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