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Cancer Screening Guidelines |
Screenings are the best way to stay ahead in the race against cancer, and the American Cancer Society has set some guidelines to help us know when to start. These are guidelines; not rules. They’re based on information known today about cancer incidence and detection. Those at higher risk or with a strong family history of certain types of cancer may need to initiate screenings at an earlier age. Please discuss the screening schedule that’s right for you with your doctor.
Under Age 40
Cancer related check-ups every three years should
include:
- Procedures listed below AND
- Health counseling AND
- Physical exams for cancers of the thyroid, testicles,
ovaries, mouth, skin and lymph nodes
Breast
- Exam by a healthcare professional every three years, age 20
and older
- Breast self-exam every month age 20 and older Uterus/Cervix
- Pelvic exam every year with Pap test, age 18 and older
- Beginning at age 30, women who have had 3 normal Pap test
results in a row may get screened every 2 years
Age
40 and Older
Annual cancer related check-ups should include:
- Procedures listed below AND
- Health counseling AND
- Physical exams for cancer of the thyroid, testicles, mouth,
ovaries, skin and lymph nodes
Breast
- Exam by health professional annually
- Breast self-exam monthly
- Screening mammogram annually Uterus/Cervix
- Pelvic exam annually
- Pap smear every two years
- Endometrial tissue biopsy if high risk
After Age 50
Colon & Rectum
Follow one of the following five testing schedules:
- Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical
test (FIT)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- Yearly FOBT or FIT, plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
Prostate
African American men should begin testing at age 45.
- Digital rectal exam annually
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test annually
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