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Raising awareness -

In 2022, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney both got colonoscopies to raise awareness about colorectal cancer in people under 50. This is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in the US.

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Raising awareness -

"It's not every day that you can raise awareness about something that will most definitely save lives. That's enough motivation for me to let you in on a camera being shoved up my [ ]," said Reynolds.

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Raising awareness -

Both Ryan Reynolds and the ‘It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ actor turned 45 that year. A colonoscopy is recommended at this age and can indeed save one’s life.

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Screening tests -

Now, let’s take a look at other cancer screening tests and when you should be doing them.

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Screening tests -

Screening tests are performed in order to find cancer before any symptoms appear. This will allow for treatment, and vastly increases the likelihood of a successful recovery.

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Breast cancer screening -

Screening mammography is an x-ray of the breasts. It is used to detect signs of breast cancer.

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Breast cancer screening -

The recommended age to start screening varies, depending on risk factors as well as where you’re based in the world. In the US, for instance, it is recommended for women at age 50 (for those at an average risk level).

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Cervical cancer screening -

Human papillomavirus (HPV) tests and Pap tests (or pap smears) are essential to detect any abnormal cells that might evolve into cancer.

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Cervical cancer screening -

Most women start this type of screening at age 21 and continue to do so throughout their lives until around age 65.

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Colorectal cancer screening -

A colonoscopy is the most popular screening test for colorectal cancer, though other tests are also used, namely sigmoidoscopies and stool tests.

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Colorectal cancer screening -

Screening starts at around age 45 and continues through to age 75. A colonoscopy is used to find abnormal colon growths (called polyps). These can then be removed before they become cancer.

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Lung cancer screening -

There is a specific type of CT scan that is used to screen for lung cancer. It’s called a low-dose helical computed tomography.

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Lung cancer screening -

People at risk, especially heavy smokers, should be screened, especially between the ages of 50 and 80.

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Other screening tests -

People who are at higher risk of certain cancers are sometimes prescribed other screening tests. Let’s take a look at some of them.

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Clinical breast exams and breast self-exams -

These are the first line of prevention when it comes to detecting any abnormalities in breast tissue that will require further investigation.

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Testicular cancer -

There isn’t a specific screening test for testicular cancer, but similar to breast cancer, self-examination can help detect any bumps.

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Testicular cancer -

An ultrasound may follow if something is detected. The risk group is primarily men aged between 15 and 40.

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Colorectal cancer screening (virtual colonoscopy) -

Unlike a regular colonoscopy, which is an invasive screening test, a virtual colonoscopy allows for the colon and rectum to be examined from the outside. This is done using CT scanning or magnetic resonance imaging.

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Liver cancer screening -

There are two tests sometimes used to detect liver cancer. One is the alpha-fetoprotein blood test, and the other one is an ultrasound of the liver.

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Breast MRI -

While a mammography is the first screening test used to detect any anomalies that can cause cancer, women who specifically carry a harmful mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are usually subject to a breast MRI imaging test.

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Breast MRI -

This is because BRCA gene mutations put these women at higher risk of developing not only breast cancer, but also other types of cancers.

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Ovarian cancer -

This type of cancer is often diagnosed using two screening tests. These are a CA-125 blood test, and a transvaginal ultrasound.

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Ovarian cancer -

A transvaginal ultrasound is used to collect images of a woman’s ovaries and uterus, which can be useful not only for the detection of ovarian cancer, but also for endometrial cancer.

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Prostate cancer screening -

The screening for prostate cancer is usually done in two ways: through a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and using a digital rectal exam.

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Skin cancer -

Self-examining the skin is usually the first step when it comes to skin cancer prevention.

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Skin cancer -

It is important to tell your doctor if a new mole appears, or if you notice any changes on an existing mole.

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Multicancer early detection tests -

Multicancer early detection (MCED) tests measure biological signals in a blood sample. These signals, also known as biomarkers or tumor markers, may help detect different types of cancer.

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Multicancer early detection tests -

MCEDs are not approved universally and its effectiveness is still being studied. If proven reliable and effective, in the future it may become a standard go-to screening test.

Sources: (National Cancer Institute) (CNN)

See also: Surprising things that can cause cancer

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