Cancer Screening Services Offered In Midtown East, New York, NY
Women benefit from cancer screenings before they notice any symptoms, as early detection can prevent devastating complications. At the practice of Elizabeth A. Eden, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., in the Midtown East neighborhood of New York City, New York, Dr. Eden recommends screenings for breast and cervical cancer as well as endometrial and colorectal cancer. If you’d like to learn more about the type of cancer screening you’ll need, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Cancer Screening Q&A
What is the purpose of cancer screening?
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in the body. Cancer can affect the skin, blood, organs, and the reproductive tract.
Cancer screenings are regularly scheduled tests that help providers assess your risk or find cancer in its earliest stages. Early detection gives you the best chance of recovery.
What are the traditional types of cancer screenings for women?
The most common cancer screening tests available to women include:
Pap smears
Pap smears detect irregular cells on your cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. During a pelvic exam, Dr. Eden swabs cells from your cervix and sends these cells to a lab to look for abnormalities.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) test
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States. It often causes genital warts and may increase your risk of cervical cancer.
Dr. Eden may recommend an HPV test to assess your risk of developing this type of cancer.
Breast exam
At your annual well-woman visit, Dr. Eden performs a clinical breast exam. She feels your breast tissue, looking for signs of lumps or other abnormalities that may indicate breast cancer.
Dr. Eden also recommends you to perform a monthly breast self-exam.
Mammograms
Mammograms are a type of X-ray that find signs of cancer. Consider starting yearly mammograms to screen for breast cancer around age 40. Women at high risk for the disease may start screenings earlier.
Colorectal cancer screenings
Most women should start colorectal cancer screenings, or colonoscopies, around age 45. Dr. Eden can keep track of your colonoscopy schedule for you.
Endometrial cancer screenings
Endometrial, or uterine cancer, can cause changes during menopause (such as bleeding or spotting). If you notice any of these changes, Dr. Eden will want to conduct a biopsy to look for uterine cancer.
How often should I have cancer screening?
Dr. Eden can help you understand your cancer screening schedule, which depends on your past test results, age, and general health.
For example, most women benefit from having Pap smears every three years from ages 21 to 65. You can get an HPV test after age 30, and if prior Pap smears are negative, you may schedule testing every five years.
To get all your cancer screenings up-to-date, contact the office of Elizabeth A. Eden, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Call or schedule an appointment online today.
