Knock out cancer with screenings & early detection
Your best weapon against cancer? Screenings and early detection.
If you are tempted to skip a screening because you feel fine, consider this,evidence suggests that cancer can lurk for five years before producing symptoms.Recommended screenings include:
Screening:
General exam for cancer by a physician
Possible cancer site: Breast,colon prostate, skin, thyroid, testicles,
uterus lymph nodes and others
Gender/age/frequency:
Men and women ages 20-39, every 3 years
Men and women ages 40 and over,once a year
Screening:
Breast exam by a physician
Possible cancer site: Breast
Age/Frequency:
Women ages 20 to 39,every 3 years
Women ages 40 and over, once a year
Screening:
Mammogram
Possible cancer site: Breast
Age/Frequency:
Women ages 40 and over once a year
Screening:
Pap Screening
Possible cancer site: Cervix
Age/ Frequency:
Women ages 21 to 29,once a year
Women ages 30 to 69,every 2 to 3 years after
3 normal annual Pap Screenings in a row
Women ages 70 and over, optional,depending on risk factors
Screening:
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
Possible cancer site:
Prostate
Gender/age/frequency:
Men 50 and over,once a year
African-American and high-risk men ages 45 and over, once a year
Screening:
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
Cancer site: Prostate
Gender/age/frequency:
Men 50 and over,once a year
African-American and high-risk men ages 45 and over, once a year
Screening:
Colonoscopy
Cancer site: Colon/rectum
Gender/age/frequency:
Men andwomen over 50, every 10 years
Source: American Cancer Society
Note: If you have risk factors for cancer, talk to your doctor about a screening schedule that may better meet your needs. Monthly self breast exams are also encouraged.
