Cancer prevention and detection
As a family physician who works to promote my patients’ health, I would like to share some important recommendations about the early detection of various types of cancer. Prevention plays a key role in the battle against these devastating illnesses. Here are a few specific pieces of advice depending on the type of cancer.
Skin cancer
It is crucially important to examine your skin regularly to spot any suspicious change(s). Sun protection is also essential. Consult a dermatologist if you have any concerns.
Cancer of the neck of the uterus
Detection measures should be carried out every two to three years in women aged 21 to 69, through a PAP test. The vaccine against human papilloma virus (HPV) is recommended and provided at school for girls and boys around nine years old.
Breast cancer
Mammography is recommended every two years starting at age 50. The Quebec cancer detection program is automatic for all women in Quebec, whether they have a family doctor or not.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer detection measures are recommended between 55 and 69 years of age. The detection tests include a physical examination as well as the test for the specific prostatic antigen through blood analysis (SPA).
Lung cancer
Smokers or former smokers should anticipate thoracic tomodensiometry (TDM) starting atage 55.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer detection measures – recommended every two years – start at age 50. Tests include colonoscopy, tests for occult blood in the stool, and other methods.
It is critically important to discuss these measures with one’s doctor, because each person has specific needs as a function of their age, medical history and risk factors.
Prevention and early detection are our best weapons in the battle against cancer. Open communication with your health professional is the key to detection methods adapted to your reality.
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Dre Marie-Andrée Leblanc12 Posts
Propriétaire, Clinique LeBlanc + Savaria Mont-Tremblant. Dre LeBlanc, diplômée en sciences de la santé, a acquis son doctorat en médecine et s'est spécialisée en médecine familiale. Anciennement médecin à l’Hôpital Pierre-Le Gardeur, elle est devenue propriétaire de la Clinique médicale privée LeBlanc + Savaria en 2014, élargissant ses services avec l'ouverture de cliniques à Laval et à Mont-Tremblant en 2021. Mère de trois enfants actifs, passionnée de vélo, ski et surf, elle joue un rôle clé dans les affaires de la Rive-Nord de Montréa / Owner, Clinique LeBlanc + Savaria Mont-Tremblant. Dr. LeBlanc, a graduate in health sciences, obtained her MD and specialized in family medicine. Formerly a physician at Hôpital Pierre-Le Gardeur, she became the owner of the private medical clinic LeBlanc + Savaria in 2014, expanding her services with the opening of clinics in Laval and Mont-Tremblant in 2021. The mother of three active children and passionate about biking, skiing and surfing, she plays a key role in business on Montréal’s North Shore.
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