According to the American Cancer Society, oral cancer afflicts approximately 53,000 Americans per year and kills over 10,000 annually. By regularly performing a simple self-examination, oral cancer can be identified at an early stage.
Skin cancer screens, which commonly involve visual examination of moles or other skin conditions, are also performed free by Tulane during May, which is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. More information about these screenings can be obtained from the Tulane Dermatology Department.
Lung cancer screenings can help detect lung cancers at their earliest stages, when they are most treatable. Preliminary research indicates that early detection with a CT screening may reduce the odds of lung cancer death by up to 20% when compared to conventional x-ray. Tulane Lakeside Hospital offers low-dose CT lung cancer screenings.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer if detected early. The Louisiana Breast & Cervical Health Program offers no cost cervical screenings throughout the state.
According to a study performed by Dr. Xiao-Cheng Wu, Associate Professor of Public Health at LSU Health New Orleans and the Assistant Director of Louisiana Tumor Registry, steep increases in the incidence of colorectal cancers were identified from 49 to 50 years of age. According to the Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Programs, the colorectal cancer survivor rate is 90%, if caught early. Colorectal cancer can be identified by inexpensive, at-home exams or more thorough colonoscopies. LSU Health’s Department of Surgery can help identify colorectal issues via one of its clinical partners.
Breast cancer screening involves mammography, which is an image of the breast that your physician team can examine for any suspicious areas. Depending on your family history, age, and other risk factors, your physician may recommend regular mammography screening.
Prostate cancer screening commonly involves a blood test that looks for levels of a specific signal in the blood called prostate specific antigen, or PSA. This blood test can help identify prostate cancer early, when it can be highly treatable.
Screenings for colon, skin, breast, cervical, prostate and lung cancers can also be provided by Ochsner Health, another respected LCRC partner.
Screens for all of these cancers (and others depending on your risk factors) can be discussed with any of the world-class physicians on the clinical side of our partner institutions’ cancer centers.
To learn more about eligibility, screening locations, or to begin the screening process, call the Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Program toll free hotline at 1-888-599-1073 or visit their website at www.lbchp.org.
