Monday, January 05, 2009
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CANCER SCREENING GUIDELINES

For Longer Life and Better Health
 According to the American Cancer Society, each year 1.3 million Americans will learn that they have cancer, and more than 550,000 will die from it. But cancer need not be so far-reaching and deadly. Experts say that we can prevent more than 600,000 cancer cases and 300,000 cancer deaths every year just through healthier lifestyle choices. One of the most important steps you can take is to follow recommended guidelines for cancer screenings.

Schedule Your Family’s Preventive Cancer Screenings
 The following screening schedule is based on guidelines developed by the American Cancer Society for the early detection of cancer. Recommendations are for symptom-free adults at average risk of developing cancer. Discuss your individual risk factors (including diet, activity level, tobacco use and family history) with your health care provider to determine whether more frequent screenings or additional tests are needed.

WOMEN
Age Test Frequency
20 to 39 Breast self-exam Every month
Breast exam by health care provider Every year
Pap test and pelvic exam (Or under 20 and sexually active) Every year
Physical exam including mouth, skin, thyroid, lymph nodes and ovaries Every year
40 to 65 Breast self-exam Every month
Pap test and pelvic exam Every year
Physical exam including mouth, skin, thyroid, lymph nodes, breasts, ovaries and rectum Every year
Mammogram Every year starting at age 40
Fecal occult blood test to screen for colorectal cancer Every year starting at age 50
Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer Every 3 to 5 years after age 50
Over 65 Breast self-exam Every month
Mammogram Every year
Physical exam including mouth, skin, breasts, ovaries, thyroid, lymph nodes, uterus and rectum Every year
Fecal occult blood test to screen for colorectal cancer Every year
Pap test and pelvic exam Every year, depending upon personal history. If previous pap smears have been normal, see your health care provider for frequency/discontinuation.
Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer Every 5 years

MEN
Age Test Frequency
Starting at Puberty Testicular self-exam Monthly
20 to 39 Physical exam including mouth, thyroid, lymph nodes, skin, testicles Every 2 to 3 years
40 to 65 Physical exam including mouth, skin, thyroid, lymph nodes, prostate and rectum (may include PSA blood test for prostate cancer) Every year
Fecal occult blood test to screen for colorectal cancer Every year after age 50
Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer Every 3 to 5 years after age 50
Over 65 Physical exam including mouth, skin, thyroid, lymph nodes, prostate and rectum (may include PSA blood test for prostate cancer) Every year
Fecal occult blood test to screen for colorectal cancer Every year
Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer Every 5 years


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