Cancer screenings are critical for older adults

Dominique Dayrit, PA-C

Submitted photo/CenterWell Senior Primary Care

OPINION — Cancer doesn’t just involve statistics; it shows up in real life, in the stories of our loved ones.

Behind every diagnosis is a neighbor, a grandparent, a friend. And while Arizona is projected to face more than 44,000 new cancer cases this year, and more than 13,000 cancer‑related deaths, the most powerful tool we have to change those numbers is entirely within reach: early detection.

For older adults in greater Phoenix, partnering closely with their care providers to schedule routine screenings isn’t just good practice, it’s a potentially life‑saving decision that can mean more years of mobility, independence and time with family.

The good news is that many cancers are treatable and, in some cases, can be prevented or detected before you are caught off guard. 

Throughout my career caring for seniors in Phoenix, I have seen too many patients postpone screenings such as mammograms or colonoscopies because they feel healthy, believe they are not at risk or are simply unaware of the screenings recommended and available to them. In our region, challenges such as extreme heat, transportation limitations and long distances to appointments in rural areas can make it even more difficult for our seniors to access the care they need.

Adults age 65 and older make up more than 12% of Phoenix’s population. For this group in particular, annual cancer screenings are among the most effective steps we can take to protect long-term health, preserve independence and support overall wellness.

Addressing disparities

Cancer does not affect all communities equally.

Nationally, Black Americans experience higher rates of cancer incidence and have the highest overall death rate from the disease. Hispanic and Latino populations face a 36% higher incidence of cervical cancer and about twice the incidence of stomach and liver cancers, many of which are preventable and linked to infectious causes.

In Phoenix, addressing these disparities begins with awareness and access. Expanding access to primary care, increasing education about preventive care and helping our community understand what services are covered by their health plans can help close these gaps.

The importance of screenings

Routine screenings for breast, colorectal and skin cancers, along with monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol, can make a meaningful difference. Still, screenings guidelines can be unclear. For instance, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends breast cancer screenings through age 74, but it does not offer clear guidelines beyond that.

Even when recommended guidelines are not clearly defined, preventive care and routine screenings help detect cancer and other conditions early, when treatment is often more effective and less invasive. Early detection not only improves outcomes but can also reduce the physical, emotional and financial toll that often accompanies advanced disease.

Research has shown that coordinated, patient-centered care can improve screening rates. In fact, recent findings show that patients in value-based care models — where physicians focus on prevention and health outcomes rather than volume — demonstrated higher rates of breast cancer and colorectal cancer screenings, compared to those in traditional care models. Staying connected with your primary care provider allows them to personalize your care, helping ensure that important screenings are managed properly.

Prevention beyond screenings

While screenings are essential, they are only a part of reducing cancer risk. I also encourage patients to adopt healthy daily habits that support overall wellness and can lower risk:

• Eat a nutrient-dense diet: Focus on fruits and vegetables while limiting alcohol, processed foods, added sugars and excess fats.

• Prioritize physical activity: Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular, moderate exercise can help lower the risks of breast, pancreas, liver, colon and kidney cancer.

• Protect your skin: Limited prolonged sun exposure, protective clothing and sunscreen with SPF can reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Removing barriers and providing personal support

When it comes to screenings, the most common barriers I see patients face are cost concerns, transportation challenges and often, fear. Often, patients are surprised to learn that many preventive cancer screenings are covered by insurance at no additional cost.

Understanding available benefits can make it easier to prioritize preventive care and stay on top of health goals. Flexible scheduling and reliable transportation options can also make appointments more manageable.

Fear of the unknown — whether related to a potential procedure or test results — often leads patients to delay scheduling appointments. Having open, honest conversations with a trusted health care professional about what to expect can ease concerns and make the process feel less overwhelming.

Prevention starts with a conversation and an appointment. By scheduling recommended screenings and encouraging loved ones to do the same, we can strengthen the health of our greater Phoenix community, and focus on doing the things we love, with the people we love.

Dominique Dayrit, PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.