ALL GUIDELINES SHOULD BE REVIEWED WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN AT ANNUAL WELLNESS VISITS
*Adapted from the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventative Task Force
Cancer Prevention
Key Actions: Exercise regularly, eat fruits/vegetables, good weight management, quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
Breast Cancer
20-39 years old: Self-Breast Exam 40-44 years old: Discuss with physician when to begin screening 45-54 years old: Annual mammograms 55 years and older: Annual or biennial mammograms based on a shared decision making discussion with physician High-Risk Women: Consider annual screening mammograms earlier than age 40 as well as breast MRI
Cervical Cancer
< 21 years old: Should not be screened regardless of age at sexual initiation 21 - 24 years old: Cytology (pap) testing every 3 years 25 - 29 years old: human papillomavirus (HPV) test every 5 years (preferred). A HPV/PAP co-test every 5 years (acceptable) OR a pap test alone every 3 years (acceptable) 30 - 65 years old: HPV test every 5 years (preferred). A HPV/PAP co-test every 5 years (acceptable) OR a pap test alone every 3 years (acceptable) 65 years and older: Discuss with physician about stopping testing if series of prior tests were normal and at not high risk for cervical cancer Hysterectomy: If cervix removed, stop screening if surgery was not for cervical cancer or serious pre-cancer High-Risk Women: Discuss with physician appropriate screening schedule
*above per ACOG (American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
Colon Cancer
Beginning at age 45: Colonoscopy recommended every 5-10 years. If patient declines colonoscopy, annual FIT test for blood is recommended 75-85 years old: Decision to be screened should be based on person’s preference, life expectancy, overall health and prior screening history 85 and older: No longer screened
*If there is a family history of colorectal cancer or certain colorectal diseases, patients should discuss screening recommendations with their doctor
Lung Cancer
50-80 years old (Medicare): 20 pack - year – if patient is still smoking or have quit within the last 15 years, an annual low-dose CT scan of chest is recommended.
*USPSTF updated 3/9/21
Oral Cancer
All ages: Dental visits every 6-12 months and oral self-exams routinely
Prostate Cancer
Beginning at age 50: Discuss with doctor; if patient is African American or has a family history (brother or father), begin discussion with doctor at age 45
Skin Cancer
All ages: Perform skin self-exams and take advantage of free screenings; discuss recommended screening intervals with physician
