Health Topics for Cancer

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Cancer screening

Cancer screening is the search for cancer in people who do not have any symptoms. The hope is that if cancer is present, it will be found early. Cancer found early is almost always more treatable than cancer found in later stages when symptoms are present.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends the following guidelines for general screening for cancer:

• Breast cancer: All women over 20 should perform monthly breast self-examinations. Breast exams by a healthcare professional should be done at least every 3 years from ages 20 to 39 and then yearly. Women aged 40 and older should have a mammogram every year. Women under 40 years may require a mammogram, depending on risk factors.
• Colon and rectal cancer: Men and women aged 40 and older should have a digital rectal examination every year. After age 50, annual fecal occult blood testing is recommended. Sigmoidoscopy examination should be done every 3 to 5 years for all men and women over the age of 50, or a double contrast barium enema every 5 years, or a colonoscopy every 10 years. People at increased or high risk due to personal history or strong family history, should talk with a doctor about a different testing schedule.
• Uterine cancer: A Pap test and pelvic examination are recommended annually for all sexually active women or women who are over the age of 18. After 3 or more consecutive annual exams with normal findings, the Pap test may be performed less frequently at the discretion of the healthcare provider.
• Prostate cancer: Both digital rectal examination and a PSA test are recommended annually for men beginning at age 50 years. Men at high risk (African-American) or who have a first-degree relative with prostate cancer should begin testing at age 45.
• Oral cancer: All adults should have an oral exam performed by a healthcare provider each year.
• Skin cancer: Adults should practice skin self-exam regularly. A healthcare provider should evaluate suspicious lesions promptly.

Consult the UI Health Care Cancer Information Service for more information about this topic.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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