Sponsored by Northside Hospital Forsyth
A Healthier You… The Power of Screenings in Beating Cancer
When caught early, cancer is often easier to treat. That’s why cancer screenings are so pivotal to the early detection and treat-
ment of this deadly disease. However, new clinical studies can lead to new screening recommendations for (and increased
confusion about) screenings and healthy living.
Who do you listen to?
The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute always supports recommendations that save the most lives. The most important thing
you can do is to know your body, recognize changes and report them to you doctor when they occur. Keep a detailed personal
and family health history. Then, talk with your doctor about what screenings and lifestyle changes are right for you.
When do I need to be screened?
Regardless of your age, have annual check-ups with your doctor. It’s here that you’ll discuss your overall well-being including
any life changes. Considering your medical and family histories, your doctor will know best what screenings you should have
and when.
Be proactive about your health and do your own research. Learn about your cancer risks and what screenings are recommend-
ed for your age and gender. Take any concerns you have to your doctor.
Skin Cancer / Melanoma
CANCER SCREENINGS
AT NORTHSIDE
HOSPITAL-FORSYTH
Prostate Cancer
Screenings
404-531-4444
Next screening:
Wednesday, October 12,
6-8 p.m.
Registration opens
August 28.
Smoking Cessation
Program
Call 404-780-7653 for
class date and locations.
Lung Cancer Screenings
404-531-4444
Breast Cancer Screenings
770-667-4400
Regardless of your age, have yearly body checks
by a dermatologist and perform self-checks once
a month. Use a hand mirror to check hard-to-
see places. Individuals with reduced immunity
or who have had skin cancer before, and those
with a strong family history of skin cancer are at
higher risk for developing skin cancer. Call your
doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Prostate Cancer
Beginning at age 55, men at average risk for de-
veloping prostate cancer should begin to discuss
screening with their doctor. Men at high risk for
developing prostate cancer, including those who
are African-American or have a family history
of the disease, should begin discussing screening
even sooner, at around 40.
Lung Cancer
Screening is recommended for high-risk indi-
viduals who are 50-77 and smoke, and who have
one or more additional risk factors. Risk factors
may include having a family history of lung can-
cer; exposure to hazardous substances such as
asbestos, arsenic or uranium; or living in a city
with high levels of air pollution.
Colorectal Cancer
Beginning at age 50, both men and women at
average risk for developing colorectal cancer
should have a colonoscopy every 10 years. If you
are at an increased risk of developing colorectal
cancer, meaning you have a family history of
the disease or have a personal history of inflam-
matory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis
or Crohn’s disease, you should discuss earlier
screenings with your doctor.
Breast Cancer
Women should begin annual mammograms
beginning at age 40 and continue for as long as
they are in good health. Some women because of
their family history, genetic tendency, or certain
other factors should be screened with MRI in
addition to mammography. Your doctor can tell
you whether you should have additional tests or
should start screening at an earlier age.
Cervical Cancer
Routine Pap tests are crucial for the early detec-
tion and treatment of cervical cancer. Women
21 to 65 years should have a routine Pap test at
least once every three years. HPV vaccines help
protect against most but not all cases of HPV
cervical infections. Regular pelvic exams are
highly recommended. The HPV vaccine is given
over 6 months to males and females ages 9-26.
More cases of cancer are diagnosed and treated
at the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute than
at any other hospital in Georgia. At Northside
Hospital-Forsyth and outpatient facilities nearby
in Dawsonville, Cumming and Alpharetta,
patients have access to a full continuum of
cancer care – from prevention and diagnosis to
treatment, rehabilitation, and support. For more
information, visit www.northside.com/cancer-
institute.
August 2017 | 3