Download 3 Important Cancer Screenings

Cancer Screenings Can Save Your Life
Cancer screenings help find cancer early. Cancer found early is easier to cure. There are different
kinds of screening tests:
 An exam of the body to note any changes. The doctor will ask about health habits and
past sickness.
 Lab tests
 Imaging – taking pictures of areas inside the body
 Genetic tests – looking for genes that are linked to cancer.
Get these screenings now!
Colon cancer screenings: all adults should have colon cancer screening starting at age 50. There
are a few ways to get a colon cancer screening. Talk to your doctor about which is best for you.
 Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year. These tests are easy to use. They see if you
have blood in your bowel movements.
 Colonoscopy every 5 – 10 years. The doctor uses a tube that bends to look in your colon
to see if there is anything wrong.
 Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years. This test is like a colonoscopy, but the doctor only looks
at the lower part of your colon.
Cervical cancer screening (Pap test): A Pap test is a test that checks for cancer cells in your
cervix. The cervix is the opening in women between the womb and the birth canal. Here are the
guidelines for when to get a Pap test.
 Start testing 3 years after starting sex, but no later than age 21.
 Ages 21 – 29, get a Pap test every 2 years.
 After age 30, get a Pap test every 2-3 years.
Mammograms: A mammogram is an X-ray picture of a woman’s breast. The American Cancer
Society says that women 40 years and older should get a screening every 1 - 2 years. Women
over 50 years should get a screening each year.
Skin Cancer: During a skin cancer screening, a doctor looks at your skin. He or she looks at
your moles, freckles and other marks to see if they look normal. Here is a list of skin cancer
prevention tips:
 Seek the shade, mainly between 10 AM and 4 PM.
 Do not burn.
 Avoid tanning booths.
 Cover up with clothing. Wear a hat and sunglasses.
 Use a sunscreen with an SPF (UVA and UVB) of 15 or higher every day.
 Put sunscreen on your whole body 30 minutes before going outside. Put more on every
two hours or after swimming or exercise.
 Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies older than six months.
 Check your skin head-to-toe every month.
 See your doctor every year for a skin exam.
Prostate Cancer: For the most part, older men get prostate cancer. Not all men need to get
screened for it. The American Cancer Society suggests that men talk with their doctor to see if
they should be tested.