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Early Detection Recommendations |
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This information applies to people who have an average risk of getting cancer -- there is no family history of cancer, nor are any symptoms of cancer evident.
Everyone, male or female, should have a cancer-related examination every 3 years starting from age 20 until reaching age 39. At age 40, exams should be done annually (once every year). A cancer-related check up should include:
Examination for cancers of the:
Counseling about:
- Tobacco
- Sun exposure
- Diet and nutrition
- Risk factors
- Sexual practices
- Environmental and occupational exposures
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Age |
Site |
Test or Procedure |
Frequency |
|
Name |
Description |
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age 20-39 |
Breast |
Clinical breast examination
Breast self-examination (BSE) |
Performed by a board-certified physician.
Done at home by you. |
Every 3 years.
Optional, monthly |
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age 40+ |
To above,
add a Mammogram |
An x-ray examination of the breast. |
Annually |
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age 21+ |
Cervix |
Pap test (pap smear) and pelvic examination |
Involves scraping some cells from a woman's cervix and looking at them under a microscope to see if abnormal cells are present; procedure is performed by a physician during a pelvic examination. |
Begin screening about 3 years after becoming sexually active. At age 21, the test and exam should occur annually. If you receive normal tests for 3 years, screening can be done every every 2-3 years. |
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age 50+ |
Colorectal |
The type of procedure you or your doctor selects will determine how often you should be tested. |
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Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) **
Flexible sigmoidoscopy **
Colonoscopy
Double Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE)
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Involves taking a sample of your feces to determine if there is any hidden blood.
A slender, hollow, lighted tube is placed into the rectum to help find cancer or polyps on the inside of the rectum and part of the colon.
Examination of the colon with a long, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope.
Barium sulfate, a chalky substance, is used to partially fill and open up the colon. Air is then inserted to expand the colon, allowing x-ray films to show abnormalities. |
Annually.
Every 5 years, starting at age 50.
Every 10 years, starting at age 50.
Every 5 years, starting at age 50 |
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Age |
Site |
Test or Procedure |
Frequency |
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Name |
Description |
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age 50+ |
Colorectal |
The type of procedure you or your doctor selects will determine how often you should be tested. |
|
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) **
Flexible sigmoidoscopy **
Colonoscopy
Double Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE)
|
Involves taking a sample of your feces to determine if any hidden blood is present.
A slender, hollow, lighted tube is placed into the rectum to help find cancer or polyps on the inside of the rectum and part of the colon.
Examination of the colon with a long, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope.
Barium sulfate, a chalky substance, is used to partially fill and open up the colon. Air is then inserted to expand the colon, allowing x-ray films to show abnormalities. |
Annually.
Every 5 years, starting at age 50.
Every 10 years, starting at age 50.
Every 5 years, starting at age 50 |
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age 50+ |
Prostate |
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
and
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) |
A blood test to determine the level of gland protein made primarily by the prostate.
The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for anything not normal. |
Annually, starting at age 50.
Men in high-risk groups, such as African Americans or those with family history of prostate cancer should begin screening at age 45.*** |
** Flexible sigmoidoscopy together with FOBT is preferred.
*** Information should be provided to men about the benefits and limitations of testing.
Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center
3855 Health Sciences Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093
(866) 773-2703 |