Detecting cancer early— when it’s most treatable— should be a key part of your self-care plan.

The following screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS) are for people who have an average risk for cancer. If you have an increased risk—due to your family history, for instance—ask your doctor if you should be screened at an earlier age or more often.

Some adults, depending on their age, gender, or other risk factors, may need periodic exams for other cancers, such as those of the skin, ovaries, or oral cavity. Here’s just one example: Fair-skinned people who spend a lot of time outdoors and have a history of sunburns may be at higher risk for skin cancer.

Different organizations may have different screening recommendations. For instance, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force no longer recommends routine mammography for women ages 40 to 49, as the ACS does.

Men and Women
Colon and Rectal Cancer
People with an average risk for colorectal cancer should have one of these tests beginning at age 50. Ask your doctor which test you should have.

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
• Colonoscopy every 10 years
• Double contrast barium enema every five years
• Virtual colonography every five years
• Fecal occult blood test annually
• Fecal immunochemical test annually
• Stool DNA test

Women
Breast Cancer

• Yearly mammograms starting at 40
• Clinical breast exam by a doctor every three years for women in their 20s and 30s or every year for women 40 and older
• Optional: Breast selfexam starting in the 20s
• Women with a heightened breast cancer risk should ask their doctors about the risks and benefits of an annual MRI and mammogram.

Cervical Cancer

• Women should begin screenings three years after they begin having intercourse, but no later than age 21.
• Regular Pap tests should be done annually, or every two years if they are a liquid-based test.
• At age 30, women who have had three normal Pap tests in a row can be screened every two to three years.
• Women ages 70 and older who have had three normal Pap tests in a row, and no abnormal tests in the past 10 years, can stop having this test.

Endometrial Cancer
After menopause, women who have bleeding or spotting should tell their doctors, who may order screenings.

Men
Prostate Cancer
Men at average risk for prostate cancer don't need testing. Beginning at age 50, men may choose to have an annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam (DRE).

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

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