Cancer Screening
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New advances in preventative screening can detect cancer before it becomes more difficult to treat. At Danvers Family Doctors, we offer multiple screening measures for a variety of cancers to help keep you healthy sa you age.
The Galleri Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test
The Galleri Multi-Cancer Early-Detection Test* can be ordered by your provider for a lab blood draw. These results are then sent to the Galleri lab for analysis and the identification of more than 50 types of cancer. Cancers that are detected in its early stages have greater recovery and survival rates.
Benefits of Galleri testing include:
- It screens for cancers that aren’t usually checked for
- A straightforward blood draw can make it part of a routine visit.
- If a cancer signal is found, the results indicate where the cancer originated in the body, assisting us in determining your next steps
If you would like to take part in Galleri testing, speak with you provider at your next visit about this option. Please know that this cancer screening if almost never covered by insurance and requires a patient payment of around $749.
To learn more, see the video below:
* Adults over the age of 50 who are at a higher risk for cancer should take the Galleri test. It is not intended to replace other cancer screening tests; rather, it is intended to supplement them.
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Cohn A, Richards D, Klein EA, and others A targeted multi-cancer early detection test that is based on methylation has been clinically validated. LB013 Abstract presented from April 10 to 15, 2021, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Virtual Annual Meeting.
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MB Amin, et al. Eds). The eighth edition of the Cancer Staging Manual from the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). SEER*Stat Database: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program (www.seer.cancer.gov) SEER 18 Regulations Research Data, November 2018 Sub. Those between the ages of 50 and 79 who were diagnosed between the years 2006 and 2015 are included. “Early/Localized” refers to invasive localized tumors that have not spread beyond the organ of origin, while “Late/Metastasized” refers to invasive cancers that have metastasized beyond the organ of origin to other parts of the body.
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Interest-free payment plans are available for up to 12 months. Monthly payment will be calculated based on test price and chosen plan duration. Valid for Galleri test orders made through 3/31/2023..
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Cohn A, Richards D, Klein EA, and others A targeted multi-cancer early detection test that is based on methylation has been clinically validated. LB013 Abstract presented from April 10 to 15, 2021, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Virtual Annual Meeting.
Skin Cancer Screening
What Is Skin Cancer?
When a growth or tumor of abnormal skin cells begins to grow rapidly, this is known as skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common kind of skin cancer, grows on the skin’s surface layer. Squamous cell carcinoma, another common type of skin cancer, is found on the skin’s surface layer. Malignant melanomas and other types of skin cancer spread deeper into the body and skin.
What Symptoms Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Present?
Basal Cell Carcinoma presents as a flat, red patch of dry or scaly skin. It can also look like a birthmark or appear as a brown or black bump.
What Symptoms Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Present?
Similar to Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma can manifest as a dry or scaly red patch on the skin. It may also manifest as a small bump that may bleed or crust over. In some instances, it can also appear as a brown, scaly patch of skin.
What Symptoms Does Malignant Melanoma Present?
Malignant melanomas can appear abruptly on the skin in the form of a mole may cause an existing mole to expand rapidly, change color and shape, or develop an abnormal border.
Who is susceptible to skin cancer?
Skin cancer is more common in certain groups of people including those who have fair skin, use tanning beds, have a family history of skin cancer or who are susceptible to burns. Sun exposure, the other major risk factor, can be controlled by avoiding too much sun and wearing sun protection when outside.
What are the options for treating skin cancer?
Skin cancer can typically be treated very effectively when discovered early through removal of the lesion. Because the cancer cells may also be in the skin surrounding the lesion, it is necessary to remove some of that as well. The area is completely numbed while the lesion is removed using a knife. Other options for removal include Cryotherapy, which involves either burning or freezing the growth, and radiation.
Cologuard
Cologuard is an at home screening alternative to colonoscopies for the detection of colorectal cancer in adults ages 45 and older. It works by testing a stool sample provided through the at home kit. This is a non-invasive option for patients that is covered by Medicare and most major insurance companies.
See the video below to learning more about this product:
Papanicolaou (PAP) Smears
A papanicolaou (PAP) smear is a preventative screening measure for individuals with cervixes to detect abnormal cervical cells and test for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which can put you at risk for cervical cancer. The US Preventative Task Force in tandem with the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists recommend that individuals at average risk for cervical cancer & are asymptomatic have a PAP smear every three years starting at age 21 through age 29. Women between the ages of 30 and 65 are also advised to include a HPV test alongside their PAP smear which can now be performed every 5 years. The importance of HPV screening is underscored by the ability of the virus to form warts and lesions that can develop into precancerous cells. If you feel that you are with your in office PAP smear cancer screening please be in contact with your provider.
Kawada, Charles and Drorith Hochner-Clenikier. 2019. “Gynecologic History, Examination, & Diagnostic Procedures” pp. 563-581. in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 12th Ed. McGraw Hill Education. New York.