Cancer Screening Recommendations

Most cancers are treatable if they are detected before they have spread to other parts of the body. For this reason, the American Cancer Society recommends the following regular screening tests for people who have no apparent symptoms. People who have certain risk factors, such as a family history of cancer, may elect to consult with their doctor to determine a more aggressive cancer screening program.

Type of Cancer

Screening Procedure

Frequency

Cancers of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, testes, and ovaries
	General cancer-related physical examination	Every three years for people aged 20 to 40; yearly after age 40
Colorectal cancer
	Stool examination for the presence of occult (hidden) blood	Yearly after age 50
	One of the following:
	Sigmoidoscopy examination and digital rectal examination	Every five years after age 50
	Colonoscopy and digital rectal examination	Every ten years after age 50
	Double-contrast barium enema and digital rectal examination	Every five to ten years after age 50
Prostate cancer
	Digital rectal examination	Yearly after age 50
	Blood test measuring levels of prostate-specific antigen	Yearly after age 50
Cervical cancer
	Pelvic examination and Pap smear	Yearly for women who are or have been sexually active or have reached age 18. After three or more consecutive normal exams, a Pap smear may be performed less frequently at the physician's discretion.
Breast cancer
	Breast self-examination	Monthly after age 20
	Breast examination by a physician	Every three years for women aged 20 to 40; yearly after age 40
	Mammography	Yearly after age 40

Source: American Cancer Society.

Appears in these articles:

Cancer (medicine); Mammogram

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