By Mandi Reid, MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner at Naples Cancer Advisors
February is often associated with love, from heartfelt Valentine’s cards to meaningful gestures that show care and appreciation. But what if this year, you showed your love in a different way—by encouraging the people you care about most to prioritize their health? Cancer prevention and early detection can make a life-saving difference. While it’s not always easy to bring up health topics, reminding your loved ones to get their cancer screenings is an act of love that could save their lives.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force provides clear recommendations for cancer screenings, offering guidance on when and how often individuals should be checked. By staying informed and proactive, you can help ensure the people you care about catch potential issues early—when treatment is most effective. Here’s a detailed guide to key cancer screenings for men and women. Consider printing this and keeping it on your refrigerator to make it easy for everyone in your household to stay on track.
Recommended Cancer Screenings for Women
1. Breast Cancer:
• Women aged 50 to 74: Mammograms every 2 years are recommended.
• Women aged 40 to 49: Mammogram timing should be based on personal risk factors and discussed with a healthcare provider.
2. Cervical Cancer:
• Women aged 21 to 29: Pap smear every 3 years.
• Women aged 30 to 65: Pap smear every 3 years or combined Pap smear and HPV testing every 5 years.
3. Colorectal Cancer:
• Begin screening at age 45. Options include colonoscopy every 10 years or annual stool-based tests.
4. Lung Cancer (for smokers and former smokers):
• Women aged 50 to 80 with a 20-pack-year smoking history should have an annual low-dose CT scan if they smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
5. Skin Cancer:
• Perform monthly self-checks for unusual moles or lesions, and schedule full-body exams with a dermatologist if you’re at higher risk.
Recommended Cancer Screenings for Men
1. Prostate Cancer:
• Men aged 50 to 69 should discuss PSA testing with their healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks.
• African-American men and those with a family history may need to start screening earlier.
2. Colorectal Cancer:
• Screening should begin at age 45. Options include colonoscopy every 10 years or annual stool-based tests.
3. Lung Cancer (for smokers and former smokers):
• Same guidelines as for women: Annual low-dose CT scans are recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 with a 20-pack-year smoking history.
4. Skin Cancer:
• Men should perform monthly self-checks for new or changing moles and schedule regular skin exams if they have risk factors such as fair skin or excessive sun exposure.
5. Testicular Cancer:
• While routine screenings are not generally recommended, younger men are encouraged to perform monthly self-exams to check for lumps or changes.
Making Screenings a Priority
Discussing cancer screenings may not seem romantic, but it’s one of the most loving things you can do. Far too many cancers are diagnosed late, often because people put off screenings or don’t realize their risk factors. By starting the conversation with your loved ones, you might be giving them the nudge they need to schedule that overdue mammogram or colonoscopy.
Better yet, turn it into a family affair. You can encourage your spouse, parents, siblings, or friends to schedule their screenings together. It’s also a great opportunity to reflect on your own health—are you up to date on your screenings?
A Lifesaving Gift of Love
Cancer screenings are about more than prevention—they’re about early detection, which increases the likelihood of successful treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, regular screenings have significantly reduced death rates for cancers like cervical, breast, and colorectal. For lung cancer, early detection through low-dose CT scans can improve survival rates dramatically, especially for high-risk individuals.
Think of screenings as a gift you give not only to yourself but to your loved ones. The earlier cancer is caught, the more treatment options are available, and the better the chances of a positive outcome.
At Naples Cancer Advisors, we believe everyone deserves access to life-saving cancer care and prevention resources. We’re here to help guide you and your loved ones through the process, from providing second opinions to connecting you with specialists.
About Amanda (Mandi) Reid, MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC
Mandi is a nurse practitioner at Naples Cancer Advisors, where she is dedicated to empowering patients with the knowledge and resources they need to prevent and detect cancer early. As a healthcare professional since 1997, Mandi’s varied roles and experience have given her a unique perspective on providing for the care needs of her patients. Her prior experience includes roles such as phlebotomist, lab assistant, nursing assistant, critical care technician, registered nurse, and nurse practitioner; each lending itself to her broad knowledge base and clinical acumen.
Mandi earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina in 2000. While working as an intensive care RN in South Carolina and then Central Florida, her love of patient care and pursuit of higher education led her to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of South Alabama in 2008, achieving board certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner shortly after graduation.
Mandi’s desire to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients comes from personal experience. One of the most influential women in her life, Mandi’s grandmother, was a breast cancer survivor. After living many years as a survivor, she was diagnosed with and passed due to glioblastoma multiforme, a fast growing and aggressive brain tumor. From this experience, Mandi found her purpose and passion, beginning her journey in the specialty practice of oncology when she moved to Naples, Florida in 2011.
Mandi has continued to make oncology her life’s work with the goal of giving every patient the kind of care she would want her own family to receive (including hugs!). With experience in both acute care (hospital) and office practice settings, she brings a multifaceted, compassionate and holistic approach to care while providing education and options to ensure patients meet their individual goals and honoring their journey.
Take Action Today
This February, show your love by encouraging someone you care about to schedule a cancer screening. If you’re unsure where to start, Naples Cancer Advisors is here to help. Our team provides personalized support and guidance, including referrals, second opinions, and navigation through screening options—all at no cost to patients.
Call us at 239-846-2273 (CARE) to take the first step toward a healthier future for yourself and your loved ones. Love isn’t just about words—it’s about taking action to ensure a long, healthy life for those who matter most.
