According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1,450,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year – and cancer accounts for one of every four deaths. About half of all cancer cases can be prevented or detected earlier by regular screening – greatly increasing the rates of successful treatment. The following are Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center screening guidelines.
Colorectal Cancer
Colonoscopy is the primary form of screening for colorectal cancer – the third most common cancer in both men and women. This brief procedure removes any precancerous lesions, known as polyps, before they become cancerous. When detected early, colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.
Recommended Screening Schedule:
- Ages 35-49: Review risks and needs yearly with your health care provider;
- Ages 50+: Yearly stool occult blood test; develop a screening schedule for colonoscopy with your health care provider based on your individual risk factors for colorectal cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Affecting one out of every six men, prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in American men. The most reliable screening tools for prostate cancer include the digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
Recommended Screening Schedule:
- Age 45+: African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer;
- Age 50+: All men, annually.
Cervical Cancer
The Pap screening test, which identifies precancerous changes in the cervix, has greatly reduced the incidence of cervical cancer deaths. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved a vaccine that prevents certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) known to contribute to cervical cancer. The vaccine – which is recommended for females ages nine to 26 – can prevent up to 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer.
Recommended Screening Schedule:
- Ages 18-34: Pelvic exam every one to three years; after three consecutive normal tests, a Pap test can be performed every one to three years based on baseline results;
- Ages 35-49: Pelvic exam and Pap test every one to three years, based on physician review;
- Ages 50+: Pelvic exam and Pap test every one to three years, based on physician review until age 65;
- Ages 65+: Based on physician recommendation.
Breast Cancer
The second leading cause of cancer death among American women, breast cancer is also the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Detecting about 80 to 90 percent of all breast cancers in women without symptoms, mammography is a key screening tool used to diagnose breast cancer at an early stage.
Recommended Screening Schedule:
- Ages 18-34: Monthly self-exam; physician exam at general physical; mammogram usually not required*;
- Ages 35-49: Monthly self-exam; physician exam at general physical; mammogram yearly after age 40, as reviewed with physician*;
- Ages 50+: Monthly self-exam; physician exam at general physical; mammogram yearly after age 40, as reviewed with physician.
*Women with a family history of breast cancer may need to start mammography earlier.
Skin Cancer
More than one million cases of skin cancer occur each year. The number of people diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, increases each year. Regular skin exams by a physician and monthly self-exam for any changes in moles and birthmarks are the best ways to prevent skin cancer and treat precancerous skin conditions early.
Recommended Screening Schedule:
- Ages 18-34: Monthly self-exam of moles and birthmarks and by physician at general physicial;
- Ages 35-49: Monthly self-exam of moles and birthmarks and by physician at general physicial;
- Ages 50+: Monthly self-exam of moles and birthmarks and by physician at general physicial.
Call for Our Free Cancer Center Information Package
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center offers a comprehensive range of advanced screening and treatment for all forms of cancer. To receive our free package or to schedule a consultation, please call us at 1-800-BWH-9999 or request the package online.
