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Cancer screening is the search for cancer in persons without symptoms. The hope is that cancers detected by screening will be more treatable than those that cause symptoms. The following are general screening recommendations made by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Individual recommendations should be made based upon a person's specific risk history.
* Breast cancer: Women aged 50 and older should get a mammogram every year. Monthly breast self-exam should be done by women aged 20 years and older, and breast exams should be done by a health care professional every three years from ages 20-40 and then yearly. Women aged 40-49 may require a mammogram, depending on risk factors. Some providers may order mammograms at an earlier age, or more often.
* Colon and rectal cancer: The stool blood test and a sigmoidoscopy may be performed every three to five years after age 50. These tests are performed at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Those at increased risk of colorectal cancer may require screening at younger ages and more frequently.
* Uterine cancer: For cervical cancer, women who are or who have been sexually active, or have reached age 18, should have a Pap test and pelvic examination every 1 to 3 years. This may be discontinued at age 65, or in those who've had a total hysterectomy. Women at high-risk for endometrial cancer should have an endometrial tissue sample taken at menopause and thereafter at the discretion of her physician.
* Prostate cancer: A yearly digital rectal examination and a PSA test (in men without symptoms) are not required, but may be performed at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
To learn more about cancer screening guidelines, talk to your healthcare provider about your specific risks.
Copyright © 1997 National Health Enhancement Systems, Inc.
(602) 230-7575. All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change
without notice.
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