Cancer Screening

Greenwood Village - Millennium Park Medical Associates

Internal Medicine Physicians located in Greenwood Village, CO

Every year, there are over 1.7 million new cancer cases diagnosed, yet the United States has some of the highest survival rates in the world. This is, in part, because of cancer screenings and how promptly medical providers catch the early signs of the disease. Board-certified internist Farah Khan, MD, FACP, at Millennium Park Medical Associates in Greenwood Village, Colorado, specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer symptoms. To find out more, schedule a cancer screening online or over the phone today.

Cancer Screening Q & A

What is cancer screening?

Cancer screening is an exam that checks your body for cancer before you display any symptoms. This allows Dr. Khan to catch it while it’s still small, easier to treat, and before it spreads.

Cancer screenings include a physical exam, laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, and genetic tests.

Regular cancer screenings could save your life. Annual physicals are an excellent opportunity to discuss your concerns with Dr. Khan. She talks through what cancers you may be at risk of and what your screening schedule should look like.

Who should have cancer screening?

Not every person needs screening for every type of cancer. Some screenings are only necessary if you are high risk for developing certain cancers. Dr. Khan considers you high risk if you’ve experienced any of the following:

  • A personal or family history of cancer
  • Exposure to carcinogens like toxic chemicals or tobacco smoke
  • An unexplained blood clot
  • Gene mutations linked to cancer
  • Older age

Millennium Park Medical Associates uses an annual physical and your medical history to determine your risk levels. It’s important to note that a risk factor doesn’t mean you’ll get cancer, just as having no risk factors can’t guarantee you’ll never get it.

What do cancer screenings test for?

Millennium Park Medical Associates uses cancer screenings to catch the early warning signs that you may have cancer or be at risk of developing it. Some of the cancers they screen for include: 

  • Breast cancer
  • Colon and rectal cancer and polyps
  • Cervical cancer
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Prostate cancer

Dr. Khan discusses the pros and cons of each screening with you and answers your questions so you can make an informed decision about whether to get them.

How can I lower my risk of cancer?

Personal behaviors often contribute to someone’s risk of developing cancer. Some things you can do to lower your chances of developing it include:

  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Get to and maintain a healthy weight
  • Wear sunscreen
  • Stay away from tobacco in all forms
  • Reduce your alcohol intake or cut it out completely
  • Take up regular exercise
  • Be aware of your family medical history

A cancer diagnosis can be frightening, but catching it early can significantly improve your chances of successfully fighting it. 

When you partner with Millennium Park Medical Associates, you receive comprehensive support every step of the way. Make an appointment today online or over the phone.