Importance of Routine Cancer Screenings WELCOME

Medical science has made great strides in the fight against cancer over the last 50-plus years, but sadly, cancer remains a vexing and often lethal disease. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes.

A person’s odds of surviving cancer are considerably greater when cancer is detected in its early stages. That’s why regular cancer screenings are so important. I urge you to talk to your primary care physician about the latest cancer screening guidelines.

In this issue, you can read about recommended screening guidelines for four types of cancer— breast, colon, lung, and prostate. You can also read about four patients who, thanks to timely screenings, had their cancers diagnosed early and have undergone successful treatments.

For those dealing with a cancer diagnosis, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s partnership with Keck Medicine of USC offers a range of world-class treatment options right here in the Santa Clarita Valley. You can learn more at henrymayo.com/ keck.

I have had the great privilege of leading Henry Mayo over the last two decades. As I retire from this role, I know that Henry Mayo is well positioned to continue to serve the health and wellness needs of this community. Thank you for your continued support of our independent hospital.

Yours in good health,

DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, MANY PEOPLE

DELAYED OR CANCELED THEIR ROUTINE CANCER SCREENINGS. AS A RESULT, THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE PREDICTS MORE THAN 10,000 ADDITIONAL CANCER DEATHS WILL OCCUR OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS.

The likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer increases with age, yet most people do not experience symptoms of cancer until it is in an advanced stage. Having routine cancer screenings is vital because the screenings may detect cancer before symptoms appear. If you wait until symptoms appear, the cancer may have grown or spread to other areas of the body, making it more difficult to treat. However, when abnormalities are detected early, successful treatment and remission are more likely.

It’s important to note that most screening tests do not diagnose cancer. Instead, they screen for abnormalities that will require diagnostic tests to check for cancer.

Some people are at higher risk of developing certain cancers, including those with a personal history of cancer, family history of cancer, exposure to cancer-causing substances, and older age. Not having a risk factor doesn’t mean cancer won’t occur. Cancer can also develop in those who are considered low risk. Continuing with routine screenings is important, even if you are in a low-risk category.

There are different risk factors for breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers, including age, genetics, and lifestyle habits. For example, 85% of lung cancers are attributed to using tobacco products, and the chances of developing prostate cancer greatly increase if there is a family history of prostate cancer.

Roger E. Seaver President/CEO

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Under the governance of our community-based Board of Directors, and in partnership with our compassionate physicians, staff and volunteers, our purpose is to: Be the trusted regional leader to inspire and deliver optimal health and wellness.

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Quality, Safety, Teamwork, Accountability, Integrity, Respect.

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We hope you’ll take time to read about the different types of cancer screenings in the pages ahead. If you haven’t already, now is the time to make regular cancer screenings part of your routine again. Talk to your doctor today, or visit henrymayo.com/screening or call 661.200.1332 for more information.

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo.

Sumsusunod ang Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital sa mga naaangkop na Pederal na batas sa karapatang sibil at hindi nandidiskrimina batay sa lahi, kulay, bansang pinagmulan, edad, kapansanan o kasarian.

It’s Your Health is produced by the Marketing Department at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and is provided free to the community. This publication in no way seeks to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise or dietary guidelines.

©2023. Reproduction of this publication or use of its contents without written permission is prohibited. For reprint permission, to subscribe or unsubscribe, or to submit ideas for future issues of It’s Your Health , please contact the editor at stewartrl@henrymayo.com or 661.200.1301.

Some photographs in this issue were taken before social distancing measures and masking policies were put in place.