Breast Cancer:
• Women 45-54 should have yearly mammograms
• Women 55 and older may switch to mammograms every 2 years
• Some women, because of their family history, genetic factors, or certain other conditions, should be screened with breast MRIs along with their mammograms
Lung Cancer:
Screening with a low dose CT of the chest may be right for you if you:
- have smoked at least one pack of cigarettes per day for 30 years and are either still smoking or have quit within the last 15 years
- are 55-74 years old
Colon Cancer:
• All men and women, starting at age 45, should have a colonoscopy every 10 years
Prostate Cancer:
- All men, beginning at age 50, should discuss screenings with their health professional
- All African American men, or those who have had a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65, should have this discussion beginning at age 45
Cervical and Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer:
- Girls ages 11-12 should receive the HPV vaccination
- Women ages 21-29 should have a pap test every 3 years
- Women ages 30-65 should have a pap test plus an HPV test every 5 years
- Women ages 65 and older with normal test results over a 10 year period no longer need testing. Women with a history of pre-cancer should continue to be tested for at least 20 years after the diagnosis of pre-cancer
- Menopausal women should report any unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting to their physician
Reduce Your Cancer Risk:
- All boys ages 11-12 should receive the HPV vaccination
- Stay away from all forms of tobacco
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and maintain a healthy weight
- Get regular check-ups and cancer screening tests
- Know yourself, your family history, and your risks
SEE SOMETHING, FEEL SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!
These are general guidelines recommended by the American Cancer Society. Everyone should talk to his/her physician about the best screening options for him/her.
Colon cancer awareness isn’t just something you pay attention to one month out of the year. Colon cancer screening saves lives. Whether it’s a colonoscopy or even a Cologuard test, colon cancer screening saves lives every day of the year. Remind family and friends that they need to schedule a screening. Saving a life is the greatest gift you will ever give to your friends and your family.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines:
Age and Risk Factors:
Average-risk adults:
Start screening at age 45.
Continue screening until age 75.
Increased risk adults:
Start screening 10 years earlier than the youngest person diagnosed with colorectal cancer
Screening Tests:
Colonoscopy:
Recommended every 10 years for average-risk adults.
May be recommended more frequently for increased risk adults.
Stool-based tests (Cologuard):
Recommended annually or every 3 years, depending on risk factors.
Specific Recommendations:
Age 45-75: Colonoscopy every 10 years. Stool-based test annually or every 3 years.
Age 76-85: Consider individual factors, such as overall health and life expectancy.
Increased risk adults:
Discuss screening options with a healthcare provider based on specific risk factors.
Additional Notes:
- If a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy detects polyps or cancer, follow-up procedures may be recommended.
- Stool-based tests are less invasive but may not detect all cancers.