A New Year has begun and the references of entering a New Year with 2020 vision are in full swing as we all ponder what resolutions we want to accomplish in the upcoming 365 days. 

Among individuals who make New Year’s resolutions, the most common resolutions are exercising more, saving money, eating healthier and losing weight. While the intentions to achieve these resolutions are immense, studies show that 80% of those resolutions fail by the end of February.

This year, I challenge you to be part of the 20% of individuals whose resolutions succeed. More importantly, I challenge you to invest in your health by making a New Year’s resolution to schedule a cancer screening.

Cancer is not something that most people want to talk about, let alone think about. Unfortunately with cancer being the second leading cause of death in the United States, I have no doubt that we can all name at least one person we, indirectly or directly, know who has had a potential cancer scare or has been diagnosed with cancer.

Early screening and detection is key to successful treatment and survival rate for most cancers. It is important to talk to your physician about what cancer screenings are appropriate for you, however the following are the two most common types of cancer and their recommended screenings.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States.  

It is recommended that women over the age of 40 receive yearly mammograms.

Wilson Outpatient Imaging offers 3D mammography, the most advance technology to detect breast cancer, and provides same-day results. We welcome walk-ins for screening mammograms without a physician order Monday through Thursday, 1 – 4 p.m. and Friday 1 – 3 p.m.

Lung cancer is the leading cancer-related death in the United States for both men and women. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) provides earlier detection for those that are considered High Risk for lung cancer. Individuals are considered High Risk if they are: 

• A current smoker between age 55-77 OR a former smoker age 55-77 who quit smoking within the past 15 years AND have a 30 pack-year history
  • __ packs/day x __ years smoked = __ pack years

Wilson Medical Center offers LDCT with a physician order, so schedule an appointment with your doctor today to discuss if you would benefit from this screening. 

Don’t lose sight of your resolutions and the importance of your health during the hustle and bustle of the year. Talk to your physician today about scheduling these tests and check one thing off your list to becoming healthier in 2020. If you don’t have a physician, call Wilson Medical Center’s Physician Referral Line at 1-800-424-DOCS (3627) today and we can get you connected with the right care. Or visit WilsonMedical.com to learn more about our cancer care services.

Courtney Harlow is the director of oncology at Wilson Medical Center.