Dealing with a Cancer Diagnosis Later in Life

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and its the perfect time to talk about the importance of breast cancer prevention and detection. At Intermountain Health, were dedicated to helping you stay ahead of cancer with our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic. Lets dive into why early detection is crucial and how we can support you.Why Prevention and Early Detection MatterBreast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, but the good news is that early detection can significantly improve outcomes. Regular mammograms are a key part of breast cancer screening because they can detect cancer early when its most treatable. However, for those at high risk due to genetic factors, mammograms alone might not be enough.Maricel Purcell, a Cancer Genetics Nurse Practitioner at our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic, explains, Regular mammograms are a crucial component of breast cancer screening and can detect cancer early when its treatable. However, for individuals at high risk due to genetic factors, mammograms alone may not be sufficient.Understanding Your RiskKnowing your genetic risk can help you take proactive steps to protect your health.Understanding your genetic risk allows you to take proactive steps to protect your health. Having this information doesnt mean you will definitely develop cancer. It means you have the opportunity to take preventive measures and make informed decisions about your health, says Purcell.If you have a family history of cancer, especially if cancers occurred at a young age or if multiple family members are affected, you should consider seeing a cancer genetics provider. Indicators also include having a known genetic mutation in the family, multiple types of cancer in a single individual, or belonging to certain groups with higher prevalence of specific mutations.Personalized Care at Intermountain HealthAt Intermountain Health, we offer a range of services to help manage and reduce your cancer risk. Our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic provides:Genetic Testing: To identify specific gene mutations that increase cancer risk.Increased Screening and Surveillance: Including additional methods like breast MRI, which can detect cancers that mammograms might miss.Personalized Management Plans: Tailored to your specific risk profile to catch cancer early or reduce your risk.Lifestyle Recommendations: Tips on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to lower your cancer risk.Support Resources: Counseling and support groups to help you navigate your journey. Telehealth OptionsOne of the standout features of our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic is the availability of telehealth options. You can have video visits with our specialists without having to leave your house. This makes it easier than ever to get the care you need without the hassle of travel. Whether its a genetic counseling session or a follow-up appointment, our telehealth services ensure you stay connected with your healthcare team.Were shifting the focus from treatment to prevention as often as possible. And we do this all from the comfort of your own home, says Purcell.'Knowledge Is Power'Finding out you may be at high risk for cancer can be overwhelming, but youre not alone. For those feeling overwhelmed, I offer resources such as counseling and support groups and I ensure they know they are not alone in this journey, Purcell reassures.Sabrina Feldman, a vibrant 39-year-old from Denver, Colorado, recently embarked on a life-changing journey at Intermountain Healths high-risk cancer prevention clinic. With a family history of cancer, Sabrina always had a nagging feeling about her health. On the back of my mind, I could have a high risk, she shared. Her grandparents had died of ovarian cancer, but it wasnt until her cousin tested positive for BRCA 2 about four years ago that Sabrina started to connect the dots.Despite her sister testing negative for the gene, Sabrina decided to move forward with her own testing in September, assuming she wouldnt have it. Sure enough, I did have it, she said. This revelation set her on a proactive path to ensure her health and safety. I took all the proactive things. I figured any preventative things I can do to make sure I am healthy and safe and can live a long life without something being invasive.Her journey began with genetic counseling and imaging. As soon as the genetic counselor sent my primary care provider the results, she immediately called for imaging, Sabrina recalled. The day she went for her mammogram and sonogram was nerve-wracking. If I thought I didnt have BRCA 2 and I did, now every result would be the same. I panicked. Fortunately, the results came back in just five hours, and everything was negative. We have detected no abnormal cells, she was told, which brought immense relief.Sabrina then reached out to a medical oncologist for further options and opportunities. She met Lisa Ahrendt, MD, who was incredibly supportive. She was very clear, you know you are supposed to get the surgeries right away and your ovaries removed. So I was nervous going into the appointment. She kept saying when or if you decided to move forward. She heard me, she saw me. Nothing was scary.Dr. Ahrendt spent an hour discussing the best course of action for Sabrina, making her feel comfortable and understood. This is something youll have to deal with and monitor, it doesnt mean you have to take action, Dr. Ahrendt reassured her. Sabrina felt empowered by the knowledge and the support she received. Knowledge is power. You cant make any decisions until you have all the answers. Make sure you know that there are options.Sabrinas journey isnt over yet. She has a couple more screenings lined up and is considering her options carefully.The clinic has created a supportive community for Sabrina. This clinic created such a great community. Find a place that you feel comfortable and heard in is so important. With the help of a social worker and a streamlined team of specialists, Sabrina feels at ease. Its now out of my mind. Is this going to be looming over me forever? I felt like everything was there. It makes it so easy and so approachable.Sabrinas story is a testament to the power of knowledge and the importance of a supportive healthcare community. Her proactive approach and the care she received have empowered her to take control of her health and her future.At Intermountain Health, were here to support you with personalized care and comprehensive services. If you think you might be at high risk, dont hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment.

Early detection of lung cancer increases your odds of successful treatment and celebrating more birthdays. But a lung cancer screening comes with a few risks, too. So, should you get checked?The American Cancer Society, American Lung Association and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) say yes if you meet certain criteria tied to long-time cigarette use.Lets take a closer look at your options with pulmonologist Peter Mazzone, MD, MPH.Who should get a lung cancer screening?A lung cancer screening isnt for everyone, states Dr. Mazzone. Its recommended only for adults who are at high risk for the disease which explains why screening guidelines are pretty specific.The USPSTF suggests an annual lung cancer screening if all of the following apply:  Youre between age 50 and 80.Youve smoked at least 20 pack-years of cigarettes. (To calculate pack-years, multiply the average number of packs smoked per day by the number of years you smoked. So, 20 pack-years is one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years).You currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.Its also important that youre healthy enough to benefit from finding and treating early-stage lung cancer. People who get tested dont typically have symptoms of lung cancer.If someone comes to us in a wheelchair already wearing oxygen and couldnt tolerate treatment, they typically arent eligible for screening, clarifies Dr. Mazzone. However, there are nearly 15 million Americans who are at high risk and should receive screening.It should be noted, too, that a lung cancer screening is a quick and painless imaging exam. It uses low-dose computed tomography, or low-dose CT, to capture very detailed pictures of your lungs.Why is lung cancer screening important?As noted, lung cancer often doesnt announce itself with early symptoms. So, without an annual screening, lung cancer is often detected once the disease has progressed and spread which makes successful treatment less likely.People with lung cancer have about an 80% chance of being alive five years later if the cancer is diagnosed and treatment begins during Stage 1. The five-year survival rate is about 4% if tumors have spread.That leads us to this alarming reality: Only about 1 in 4 people with lung cancer are diagnosed before the cancer spreads. Early detection is key to changing that, says Dr. Mazzone.Are lung cancer screenings perfect? Of course not. Scans sometimes detect small spots called nodules that look concerning but are basically harmless little scars. Radiation exposure is a concern, too. Ditto for overdiagnosis of conditions and additional testing and stress.But the benefits of lung cancer screening still outweigh any potential harm for many people, notes Dr. Mazzone.How often is lung cancer found during a screening?Lung cancer is found in about 1 in every 140 people who get screened. This may sound like a small number, but its about the same or better than the results for breast cancer and colon cancer screening.How to decide whether to get a lung screening?A counseling session is often required before a lung cancer screening so you can discuss lung cancer risks, the screening process, benefits and potential harm. It can be a complex and difficult decision for people to make.Many people value the potential benefit of screening so much theyre happy to accept them, explains Dr. Mazzone. Others may have a different perspective. Talk to your doctor to help decide whats best for you.And because the test is annual, the decision on whether to do it can be revisited every year.This article was written by Lungs, Breathing and Allergy Team from Cleveland Clinic and was legally licensed through the DiveMarketplace by Industry Dive.Contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for your medicare and health insurance needs. Contact them at 251-344-2115

Working adults and retirees may be far removed from school and the stresses that come with high-stakes testing.No matter our age, though, were not done taking tests. Unlike the pop quiz in English literature, algebra or world history, the tests we take as older adults are some of the most important exams in our lives.Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers and the second-most common cause of cancer death in the U.S. and  worldwide. The American Cancer Society estimates that two-thirds of colorectal cancer deaths occur in patients over 65. However, if caught early, cancer of the colon is highly treatable and often curable.In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended testing age for colorectal cancer from 50 to 45 due to an increase in its incidence among younger individuals. Gen Xers, Baby Boomers and older generations who are up to date on their testing likely have already completed a colonoscopy, the gold standard of testing for this dangerous cancer. This screening test is highly important because colorectal cancer often doesnt have symptoms in the initial stages.The screening uses a scope to look for polyps, a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are harmless, but some can become cancerous. When cancer forms in a polyp, it grows into the wall of the colon and eventually can spread to distant parts of the body. During a colonoscopy, the doctor can remove colorectal polyps to help prevent cancer.While the test itself is done under general anesthesia, the preparation for a colonoscopy is often what people dislike. To make sure doctors can see polyps, the colon must be clean and empty before the procedure. That means everything in your bowel must go, which is accomplished by drinking large volumes of water mixed with a laxative the day before, and sometimes the morning before, the procedure. The liquid results in diarrhea and considerable time in the bathroom as your colon is cleared. You will also be on a clear-liquid diet the day of the procedure.The preparation can be unpleasant. Perhaps that is why four in 10 Americans aged 45 and older are not up to date on their colorectal cancer screenings, according to the American Cancer Society.But there is good news. People who dont have other risk factors generally only need to have a colonoscopy every 10 years. Also, a lot has changed in recent years. Today, the preparation liquid (often a gallon) does not need to be consumed in one sitting and may be taken the night before and the next morning, making it more tolerable. The solutions are also better-tasting than they once were.Also, there are some alternatives, including lower-volume solutions and a pill prep involving 12 tablets taken twice with large amounts of water. In addition, the FDA has approved three types of stool tests to screen for colorectal cancer at home. They should be completed every one to three years. If a stool test is positive, which doesnt always mean cancer is present, a follow up colonoscopy is necessary.   There are things we can do to prepare for a colonoscopy to make the preparation less unpleasant:         The less you have in your stomach before colonoscopy preparation, the easier it will be. Start eating smaller portions and reducing fiber five to seven days in advance.         The week before a colonoscopy, avoid nuts and seeds, popcorn, red meat, raw vegetables, corn, peas, broccoli, cabbage, dried beans, whole grain bread and pasta, brown or wild rice, fruit with skins, fried foods and cereals like oatmeal, shredded wheat and granola.          Chill any liquid preparation, as it is often easier to drink when its cold.         Use a straw to bypass the tastebuds in your mouth as you drink the preparation.         Suck on lemon slices or sugar-free menthol candy while you drink or after each sip to help with the taste.         Mix in sugar-free water flavorings that are clear, not red, blue or purple.         If nausea was an issue during a previous preparation, ask your doctor for anti-nausea medicine in advance. While age is a risk factor for developing colorectal cancer, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and limiting alcohol can reduce the risk of developing colorectal and other cancers. Even if you were inactive in your younger years, becoming active when you are older can lower your risk.Your primary care doctor can help you keep track of preventive services, like screening tests and vaccines, as well as help make lifestyle recommendations such as diet and exercise to help reduce risk for illness.About the AuthorJaimenee Jaime Khemraj is chief medical officer for Healthcare Network, which has practices throughout Collier County offering family care, dental care and pharmacy as well as behavioral health counseling. For more information, visit HealthcareSWFL.org, or to schedule an appointment, please call 239-658-3000.