Screening Recommendations
The American Cancer Society recommends these screening guidelines for most adults. Your provider may recommend additional tests based on your family history
Breast Cancer
- Age 40 yearly mammogram
- Clinical breast exam (CBE) about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over
- Breast self-exam (BSE) monthly for women starting in their 20s.
Colorectal Cancer and Polyps
Beginning at age 50, both men and women should follow one of these testing schedules:
- Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years*
- Or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years*
- Or Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years*
- Or Colonoscopy every 10 years
* If this test is positive, a colonoscopy should also be done.
Cervical Cancer
- Yearly Pap test beginning 3 years after first vaginal intercourse, but no later than 21 years old.
- Beginning at age 30, women who have had 3 normal Pap test results in a row may get screened every 2 to 3 years.
- Women 70 years of age or older who have had 3 or more normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal Pap test results in the last 10 years may choose to stop having Pap tests.
Prostate Cancer
Starting at age 50, PSA blood test with or without a rectal exam. How often you are tested will depend on your PSA level. If you are African American or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65, you should start at age 45.
Take control of your health and reduce your cancer risk.
- Stay away from tobacco.
- Stay at a healthy weight.
- Get moving with regular physical activity.
- Eat healthy with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Limit how much alcohol you drink (if you drink at all).
- Protect your skin.
- Know yourself, your family history, and your risks.
- Have regular check-ups and cancer screening tests.
