Oncologist Calls for Skin Cancer Screenings for All Over 50

As we grow older, the likelihood of developing various chronic conditions rises. Unfortunately, severaltypes of cancerare covered under this category. A cancer doctor who recently celebrated his 50th birthday thinks that as people grow older, they require wisdom in the form of personal information.

For individuals over the age of 50, the most crucial initial step in preventing cancer is recognizing your own personal risk," statesDr. Elias Obeid, MD, the medical director at the Hennessy Institute for Cancer Prevention and Applied Molecular Medicine at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center.

At Dr. Obeid's facility, individuals have the opportunity to participate in afree at-home risk assessment. Your local center might have a comparable resource, or your primary care physician may be able to direct you to one. TheAmerican Cancer Society's CancerRisk360also features an evaluation tool that inquires about your lifestyle factors (diet, exerciseand sun exposure) and risk factors you cannot alter (family background and age).

He and his colleagues utilize their risk evaluation to offer a "customized path to assist you and your physician in selecting the most suitable screening strategy for your well-being."

Screening typically includes routine examinations at specific ages, such asmammogramsfor women. That being said, Dr. Obeid, who has worked with patients for over 20 years, desireseveryoneOver 50, individuals should consider specific cancer screenings if they haven't done so yet (and continue as necessary depending on their personal risk factors and guidance from their healthcare team). Here are some cancer screenings that people over 50 often miss, along with a few others that shouldn't be ignored.

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The Leading Cancer Tests to Consider After Age 50, as Advised by a Cancer Specialist

A cancer specialist encourages individuals over the age of 50 to make regular skin cancer checkups a routine.

Skin cancer is the mostcommon type of cancer," Dr. Obeid says. "Skin cancer is very treatable when identified and addressed at an early stage."

Indeed, around 1 in 5 peoplewill be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they reach 70. Skin cancer can be deadly (approximately8,000 people dieannually). However, it has a 99% survival rate over five years when identified at an early stage. This is where screening plays a role, although the recommendations are not as clear-cut as those for mammograms in breast cancer or colonoscopies for rectal cancer.

"Although there are no standard guidelines for professional skin examinations for the general public, many physicians suggest routine self-checks and an annual skin assessment by a medical professional, particularly for individuals with risk factors such as a history of sun exposure, light skin tone, or a family history of skin cancer," Dr. Obeid explains.

Related: I'm a Cancer Doctor—This Is the One Misconception About Cancer I Wish Would Disappear

What a Skin Cancer Examination Entails

Dr. Obeid explains that skin cancer screenings include both self-examinations and professional evaluations. "This means examining the skin for any new, unusual, or changing moles, sores, or other growths that might indicate skin cancer," he states.

The objective is to identify indicators of any of theskin cancer types,the three most frequent ones are:

Basal and squamous cell carcinomas (most frequently found in areas exposed to the sun such as the head, neck, and arms, although they can occur anywhere)
Melanoma (risk factors include the presence of moles and a family history of the condition, such as having a parent or sibling affected)
Lymphoma (originates in cells of the immune system, with age being a contributing factor)

The ACSprovides a complete guide on how to conduct a skin examination at home and suggests performing it once a month. In short:

Make it a habit to examine your skin regularly for any alterations," Dr. Obeid advises. "It's crucial to consult a dermatologist if you observe any new growths, modifications in the size, shape, or color of existing moles, or any areas that tingle, bleed, or appear unusual.

It's important to highlight these concerns and consult a dermatologist. "A dermatologist examines your entire body visually for any unusual spots," he says.

Your primary care physician will likely identify any changes in your skin and refer you to a dermatologist or suggest further testing if they observe them during an appointment, such as your yearly checkup. It is important to complete the screening process.

2 Additional Cancer Screenings You Shouldn't Miss if You're 50 or Older

Skin cancer screenings, whether done at home or in a clinical setting, are important if you're over 50. However, Dr. Obeid emphasizes the importance of being screened for colorectal and lung cancer as well. We'll begin with colorectal cancer. "This test identifies precancerous polyps and early-stage colorectal cancer in the colon or rectum," he explains. "It is an essential method for both prevention and early detection."

For this reason, the ACSindicates that individuals with average risk possess acolonoscopyevery decade beginning at age 45, although those at greater risk may begin earlier.

"A colonoscopy involves examining the entire colon visually," says Dr. Obeid. Additional screening methods consist of less intrusive annual stool tests and CT colonography (also known as virtual colonoscopy) performed every five years.

If you opt for a screening test other than a colonoscopy, any abnormal finding necessitates an immediate follow-up colonoscopy.

There are also lung cancer screenings, which are truly life-saving, a point that Dr. Obeid emphasizes constantly. "This screening detects early signs of lung cancer through a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan," explains Dr. Obeid. "The process involves a quick, non-invasive chest CT scan that produces detailed images of the lungs. Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer-related deaths, and this screening is designed for individuals who are at high risk."

Dr. Obeid states that theUSPSTF recommendsannual LDCT scans for individuals between the ages of 50 and 80 who:

Have a history of smoking 20 packs per year for two decades
Currently smoke
Left the job in the last 15 years

Some rules still apply even if you stopped more than 15 years ago," he adds. "Identifying issues before symptoms develop can result in better treatment.

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Sources:

Dr. Elias Obeid, MD, the medical director at the Hennessy Institute for Cancer Prevention and Applied Molecular Medicine at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center
Skin Melanoma Statistics.CDC.
Skin Cancer: Key Information and DataSkin Cancer Foundation.
Cancer Statistics Facts: Skin Melanoma.National Cancer Institute.
Types of Skin Cancer. AAD.
How to Perform a Skin Self-CheckAmerican Cancer Society.
American Cancer Society's Recommendation for Colorectal Cancer Screening.American Cancer Society.
Lung Cancer: Screening, USPSTF.