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 1.4 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 three years. - Cervical Cancer
Pap Test – Annually or three years after sexual activity begins. - Skin Cancer
Head-to-toe visual exam – Every three years.
30-39 years of age:
- Breast Cancer
Doctor’s breast exam – Every three years. - Cervical Cancer
Pap Test – Women who have had three normal Pap test results in a row, may be screened every two to three years. - Skin Cancer
Head-to-toe visual exam – Every three years.
40-49 years of age:
- Breast Cancer
Doctor’s breast exam - Every year.
Mammogram – Annually. - Cervical Cancer
Pap Test – Women who have had three normal Pap test results in a row, may be screened every two to three years. - Skin Cancer
Head-to-toe visual exam – Annually.
50 years of age:
- Breast Cancer
Doctor’s breast exam – Every year.
Mammogram – Annually. - Cervical Cancer
Pap Test – Women who have had three normal Pap test results in a row, may be screened every two to three years. - Colorectal Cancer
Digital rectal exam – Annually.
Colonoscopy – Every 10 years.
or Sigmoidoscopy – Every five years. - Skin Cancer
Head-to-toe visual exam – Annually.
55+ years of age:
- 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 – Every three years.
40-49 years of age:
- 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 five years. - Prostate Cancer
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and Digital rectal exam (DRE) – Annually. - Skin Cancer
Head-to-toe visual exam – Annually.
55+ years of age:
- Annual Lung Cancer Screening.
- Current or former smokers, low-dose CT chest screening recommended annually.