Get Well Wednesday: National Minority Cancer Awareness Week

I was told by my doctor that annual Pap smears and breast exams/mammograms are no longer required. They are now saying every 3 years. Is this true? Is this safe?

A 3-year interval between Pap smears for most women ages 21-65 years old is one of the cervical cancer screening options recommended by most physicians and scientific organizations based on the results of large clinical trials in women with average risk of getting cervical cancer. You should discuss with your doctor whether you have any risk factors that mean you should get screened for cervical cancer more often than every three years. For a discussion about screening intervals for mammograms please see:

http://www.blackhealthmatters.com/health-conditions-hub/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-screening-guidelines-revised/

What are the signs and symptoms of lung cancer?

Although lung cancer is more common in people who have a history of smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke, about 20% of lung cancer in women is not smoking-related. Screening for lung cancer with a CT scan is recommended for people aged 55-74 years old with a smoking history equal to a pack a day for 30 years, but CT scan screening is not recommended for non-smokers.

According to the American Cancer Society, symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain or hoarseness. You should see your doctor to discuss your individual risk for lung cancer and whether you should be screened with a CT scan. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-small-cell-lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html