Screening Recommendations |  | 
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In 2009, an estimated 1.4 million Americans learned they had cancer. Many of these cases were identified through routine screenings. If you are at high risk for a particular kind of cancer, your doctor may advise you to be tested earlier or more often. Your doctor can also work with you to make lifestyle changes that mitigate the risk of cancer.
Below are some basic screening guidelines as recommended by the American Cancer Society. Use the links to the right for more detailed prevention and early detection information.
| Screening Recommendations for Women |
| Age 21-30 |
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Cervical Cancer
A screening with regular Pap test should be done yearly beginning about three years after beginning vaginal intercourse or no later than age 21 |
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Breast Self-Exam (BSE), optional for women starting in their 20s |
| Starting at age 30 |
| Cervical cancer screening, plus the human papilloma virus (SPV) test - every two to three years after three consecutive "normal" Pap test results |
| Starting at age 40 |
Breast Cancer
Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) and Mammogram yearly, continuing for as long as a woman is in good health |
| Starting at age 50 |
Colonoscopy every 10 years, or
Double-contrast barium enema every five years*, or
CT colonography (virtual colonscopy) every five years*
*A colonoscopy should be performed if test result is positive |
| Age 70 and over |
| Women who have had three consecutive "normal" Pap test results and no "abnormal" results in the past 10 years may elect to stop having Pap tests |
| Additional Recommendations and Optional Tests |
Breast Cancer
For a small percentage of women with a family history of breast cancer or certain other risk factors, the American Cancer Society recommends an MRI screening in addition to a mammogram. |
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Cervical Cancer
Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) may choose to stop having Pap tests. If the cervix was not removed during the hysterectomy, Pap tests should continue as recommended above. NOTE: If a hysterectomy was performed as treatment for cervical or pre-cancer, Pap tests should also continue as recommended above. |
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Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
The American Cancer Society recommends that at the time of menopause, all women should be informed about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Women should report any unexpected bleeding or spotting to their doctors. Depending on their health history, it may be recommended for some women to consider having a yearly endometrial biopsy. |
| For women who have a family history of cancer and/or certain risk factors, earlier screenings or a varied schedule may be recommended. You should talk to your doctor about your complete health history and decide together what is right for you. |
| Screening Recommendations for Men |
| Starting at age 50 |
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Screening for Colorectal Cancer and Polyps
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years*
Colonoscopy every 10 years, or
Double-contrast barium enema every five years*, or
CT colonography (virtual colonscopy) every five years*
*A colonoscopy should be performed if test result is positive |
Prostate Cancer
Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing, with or without a rectal exam
Men of African-American descent or who have a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 should consult with their doctor starting at age 45.
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| For some men who have a family history of cancer and/or certain risk factors, earlier screenings or a varied schedule may be recommended. You should talk to your doctor about your complete health history and decide together what is right for you. | |
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