Cancer Prevention
There are various ways to prevent different types of cancer. Three simple ways to help prevent many types of cancer for adults and children:
- Don't smoke. We can help you quit.
- Maintain a healthy weight and diet.
- Get plenty of exercise.
Early Cancer Detection
What cancer screenings should you have—and when?
Last year, an estimated 1.9 million Americans learned they had cancer. Many of these cases were identified through routine screenings given or ordered by primary care physicians. For easy reference, use the chart for women and men below, which is based on the American Cancer Society recommendations. Remember–if you are at high risk for a particular kind of cancer due to your family history or other risk factors, you may be advised by your doctor to be tested earlier or more often. In addition to administering the right tests at the right time, your doctors can also work with you to make lifestyle changes that may protect you against cancer.
Cancer Screening Recommendations
Women
21-29 years of age:
- Breast Cancer
Doctor’s breast exam – Every 1-3 years. - Cervical Cancer
Pap Test – First Pap Test at 21 then every 3 years. - Skin Cancer
Head-to-toe visual exam – Annually.
30-39 years of age:
- Breast Cancer
Doctor’s breast exam – Every 1-3 years. - Cervical Cancer
Pap Test – Every 3 years. - Skin Cancer
Head-to-toe visual exam – Annually.
40-49 years of age:
- Breast Cancer
Doctor’s breast exam - Annually.
Mammogram – Annually. - Cervical Cancer
Pap Test – Every 3 years. - Colorectal Cancer
First colonoscopy at 45 then every 10 years.
or Sigmoidoscopy – Every 5 years. - Skin Cancer
Head-to-toe visual exam – Annually.
50 years of age:
- Breast Cancer
Doctor’s breast exam – Annually.
Mammogram – Annually. - Cervical Cancer
Pap Test – Every 3 years. - Colorectal Cancer
Colonoscopy – Every 10 years.
or Sigmoidoscopy – Every 5 years. - Skin Cancer
Head-to-toe visual exam – Annually. - Lung Cancer
Annual Lung Cancer Screening.
Current or former smokers, low-dose CT chest screening recommended annually.
Men
20-39 years of age:
- Skin Cancer
Head-to-toe visual exam – Annually.
40-49 years of age:
- Colorectal Cancer
First colonoscopy at 45 then every 10 years.
or Sigmoidoscopy – Every 5 years. - Prostate Cancer
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and Digital rectal exam (DRE) – Annually for men starting at age 45 if you are African American or if your father, brother, or son had prostate cancer before the age of 65. - Skin Cancer
Head-to-toe visual exam – Annually.
50 years of age:
- Colorectal Cancer
Digital rectal exam – Annually.
Colonoscopy – Every 10 years.
or Sigmoidoscopy – Every 5 years. - Prostate Cancer
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and Digital rectal exam (DRE) – Annually. - Skin Cancer
Head-to-toe visual exam – Annually. - Lung Cancer
Annual Lung Cancer Screening.
Current or former smokers, low-dose CT chest screening recommended annually.