Report: Cancer Lifesavers Underused

A new report from the American Cancer Society finds that, even though a number of effective screening tests are available, many people who should take advantage of them, aren't.

The Early Show medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay says, in their most recent report, the society's researchers looked at the numbers from 2004. They found a slight increase in the number of people getting colonoscopies and a slight dip in the number of women screened for breast cancer, though the key word was "slight." On the whole, the numbers from the previous year were pretty much unchanged. And although the numbers didn't decrease, the fact that the numbers didn't go up concerns doctors.

Why aren't more people availing themselves of the tests, especially since, in general, the earlier a cancer is found, the better the chances it can be treated effectively?

"We don't facilitate routine health care maintenance the way we should in most of our practices," Senay

"The burden is on us, as patients, to make sure that we get the cancer screening tests that we need."

The society offers specific guidelines, Senay points out.

Breast cancer: There's been a decrease in mortality from breast cancer because it can be treated effectively if caught early, Senay observes: "Women should have a clinical breast exam by a doctor starting at age 20 and every three years thereafter; an annual mammogram starting at age 40."

Breast self-exams, Senay says, are considered optional. But be sure to see your doctor immediately if you notice anything suspicious while doing a self exam.

"All women, Senay says, "should be encouraged to be familiar with what their breasts feel like normally, so when they find something, they know it's there and can get it checked out right away.

"(The guidelines) all can change if you have a family history. That's something you do need to talk to a doctor about."Prostate cancer: "That's a little controversial. There's a lot of disagreement in the medical community about the value of the "PSA" test. That's the blood test that doctors give to men starting, usually, at around age 50. What they are recommending now is that there's an annual rectal exam starting at age 50 and then that the PSA test be offered to men. By that I mean, the pros and cons of getting this test need to be discussed.

"Again, there's a lot of debate. Some people say we're over-testing, doing more procedures than we need to be doing, and that most of these cancers would not harm men ultimately. Studies are going on now to try to find out exactly what the value of the PSA is. In the meantime, doctors and patients have to have this conversation."

Cervical cancer:: "Cervical cancer can be a killer, but it's one of those cancer tests that can absolutely save lives. Starting at age 21, there should be an annual pap smear for women who are sexually active. Before that, it should be three years after your first sexual activity. And then again, yearly going forward if the doctors don't find anything. And in your 30s, you can reevaluate how often you get the test."