Cancer Prevention
Screening Schedules
Along with good nutrition and exercise, getting regular screening tests is one of the most important steps towards preventing and treating cancer. Most cancers have the best chance of a cure when they are caught early, before they have time to grow or metastasize and spread throughout the body.
Screening Schedule for Men:
Prostate Cancer:
- Age 40 and over: Digital rectal exam every year
- Age 50 and over: Digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test every year
Colorectal Cancer:
- Age 40 and over: Digital rectal exam every year
- Age 50 and over: A fecal occult blood test every year and Sigmoidoscopy, preferably flexible, every 3-4 years
Screening Schedule for Women:
Breast Cancer:
- Age 20-39:
- Breast self-exam every month
- Exam by health care professional every three years
- Age 40-49:
- Mammogram every year and monthly breast self-exam
- Exam by health care professional every year
- Age 50 and over:
- Mammogram every year and monthly breast self-exam
- Exam by health care professional every year
Colorectal Cancer:
- Age 40 and over: Digital rectal exam every year
- Age 50 and over: A fecal occult blood test every year and Sigmoidoscopy, preferably flexible, every 3–5 years
Cervical Cancer:
The American Cancer Society recommends that all women who have reached the age of 18 and who have been sexually active have a Pap smear and pelvic exam every year. After three or more normal exams, the Pap smear may be performed less frequently at your doctor's discretion.