Any tests I should add to my annual physical exams? - Cancer Message Board

FL_Trish · 07-25-2006, 05:42 PM

Hi...
I am now 33 years old, and I have recently lost my beautiful sister to Ovarian Cancer... she was 37 when it was detected first.

I also lost my dad to Leukemia. He was 41 when it was detected.
My baby sister was diagnosed with Lupus at 26...
1 year ago I was diagnosed with In-situ Melanoma... which was removed.

I am having all my annual physical done and was wondering if there are any tests that I should request to have done due to having cancer-family history.
I have gone to different doctors these past 3 years and sometimes it seems that I need to know exactly what type of tests to ask for or they would not be done... and what test results to ask them to go over with me... I know it sounds not right, but after going through few doctors, it seems to be standard procedure

As far as I know I need to check my white-cell count... do my paps every year (my obgyn is pretty good)... I go to the skin doctor every 3 months (at least for the first 2 years)...

Are there any other tests I should request my family doctor to perform?
I heard something about doing some blood tests that look for specific agents in your blood, but can't find any information.

I don't want to seem paranoid, I just want to make sure that I have all the tests I need to have done on the annual basis.

Thanks

shnswms · 07-25-2006, 09:18 PM

If you have a strong family history of cancer, you and your doctor need to work out some screening method. I think there is CEA blood marker test that can be elevated in some cancers. Abdominal ultrasounds and colonoscopies are types of screening methods but you would have a hard time getting insurance to give those regularly. Usually CEA levels are taken when dr suspects symptoms of cancer. But elevated levels can be attributed to other things then cancer.