Which of these cancer screenings should you get?

| Healthy You | Aging Well

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Are you missing a screening? Talk with your doctor about catching up.

Are you caught up on cancer screenings recommended for you? 

It’s not uncommon to be overdue for a screening. In fact, about 1 in 3 adults hasn’t yet had a colorectal screening and 1 in 5 women needs a mammogram, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Why cancer screenings are important

People can have cancer and feel no symptoms in early stages. 

A screening, especially for the most common cancers affecting people in the Pacific Northwest, is the best way to find a cancer.

“We want to catch all types of cancer early, but especially the cancers that cause the highest number of deaths such as lung, colorectal and breast cancer,” says Nina Dhami, MD, a radiation oncologist at PeaceHealth in Vancouver, Washington. 

Make time for cancer screenings

Early detection of cancer through screening significantly improves the chance of being treated or cured. 

“Finding lung, colorectal and breast cancer at an early stage allows for less aggressive treatment, which can help patients live better and longer,” shares Victor Gonzalez, MD, radiation oncologist at PeaceHealth in Bellingham, Washington.

Until new methods are available to find cancers in the body, getting regular recommended screenings and taking steps to prevent cancer are your best defense. 

If you’re due for more than one screening, ask your doctor which one to have done first.

Many screenings are relatively simple and take just a few minutes. Health insurance may pay part or all costs related to preventive services, if your doctor recommends it. Check with your plan to verify your coverage and what your out-of-pocket expenses might be.

Common cancer screenings

Following are the most common screenings that should be considered by many adults:

  • Breast cancer – this screening involves a physical exam and may include mammography. Mammograms are generally recommended for women 40-74 years of age. It takes about 30 minutes to get a mammogram. These are often done once a year, depending on your risk factors. 
  • Cervical cancer – this screening involves a physical exam (pap smear) by a primary care or obstetric/gynecology provider. This is recommended for women age 21-65. A pap smear is usually done as part of a yearly physical exam, which takes 30-45 minutes. The screening may be done less often — possibly every three years — depending on your risk factors. 
  • Colon cancer – this screening may be done using a non-invasive stool test and/or an outpatient procedure called a colonoscopy. Colorectal screenings are recommended for all adults 45-75 years old, or earlier if this cancer runs in your family. Preparing for the colonoscopy begins a few days before the day of the test. It takes a few hours for the procedure and recovery. After the initial colonscopy, it’s usually repeated every five to 10 years, depending on your risk factors.
  • Lung cancer – this screening involves a CT scan. This is recommended for any adult age 50-80 years who has smoked or been exposed to other substances that can harm your lungs. You don’t have to do anything to prepare. The test takes 30-60 minutes. For someone who is at risk of lung cancer, it should be done every year.
  • Prostate cancer – this screening involves a blood test. It’s recommended for men age 50 or older; however, those at higher risk should have it done at 40 or 45. It takes a few minutes for the blood draw and a few days for the results. Guidelines for when and how often to get screened are based on your age and other risk factors. 
  • Skin cancer – this screening involves a physical exam and may be done during a yearly check-up with your PCP or dermatologist. It’s generally recommended for adults 35-75 years old. It takes 30 minutes or less. The screening should be done once a year or as recommended by your doctor.

Talk with your primary care provider about these or other recommended cancer screenings based on your age, medical history or family history. 

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portrait of Victor J. Gonzalez MD

Victor J. Gonzalez MD

Radiation Oncology
Victor J. Gonzalez, MD, joined the St. Joseph Medical Center's Cancer Center in April 2022. He is a radiation oncologist with primary expertise in breast, lymphoma, hepatobiliary malignancy and Stereotactic Body RadioTherapy (SBRT). Dr. Gonzalez received his undergraduate degree with Highest Honors from the University of Florida. He then earned his medical degree from Florida State University where he was elected to the AOA medical honor society. After his internship in internal medicine at the University of California San Diego, he completed his training in radiation oncology at the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute. Before joining PeaceHealth, Dr. Gonzalez was an associate professor at the University of Arizona Cancer Center where he was director of Radiation Oncology at their Orange Grove clinic. He also served as co-director of the clinical breast program. He has worked closely with medical students and radiation oncology residents and has received accolades for educational contributions. Dr. Gonzalez is active in both the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and the American Radium Society where he is member of the Appropriate Use Criteria committee for developing evidence-based treatment guidelines. His research includes techniques for reducing heart exposure during breast radiotherapy as well as methods for reducing skin toxicity. “Working with patients is by far the most rewarding part of my day,” Dr. Gonzalez says. “Not only do I get the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life, I also get the chance to save lives and alleviate suffering”. When he isn’t working, Dr. Gonzalez enjoys spending time outdoors with his family. His hobbies include hiking, wildlife photography, rock climbing and alpine skiing, including backcountry touring.
portrait of Gurleen Dhami MD

Gurleen Dhami MD

Radiation Oncology
I am Dr. Nina Dhami, a board-certified Radiation Oncologist at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. Having personally witnessed the impact cancer can have on those you love, I decided to dedicate my life to joining the cause in eradicating this disease. The science behind radiation therapy relies on an extensive knowledge of physics and biology – academic areas that I find fascinating. Radiotherapy technology has advanced significantly and can be a great benefit to my patients. My passion and priority are to personally connect with my patients and their families, maximizing outcomes and improving quality of life, both during and after receiving care. Creating an individualized treatment plan is a vital component to patient success; I emphasize collaboration with other members of the care team by spending time discussing the diagnosis and designing an evidence-based treatment plan. Most importantly, I take the time to understand what matters most to patients so that I may best help them live their most meaningful life. I chose to practice at PeaceHealth Southwest because of my commitment to delivering state-of-the-art, high value care within this community. Away from work, I love the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle and exploring the outdoors with my family, including our dog named Pavlov. We particularly love the Columbia Gorge waterfall hikes. I am also a transplant from Texas and a vegetarian (Boy, the struggle was REAL living in Texas!), and I love all the vegetarian options the Pacific Northwest has to offer.