The Pennsylvania Medical Society and the American Cancer Society have developed the following “checklist” to prompt the doctor/patient discussion:
Men ages 45-49:
To check for prostate cancer
Beginning at age 45:
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If you are African American or if your father, brother, or son had prostate cancer before the age of 65, get a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a rectal exam every year. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate age to begin screening.
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Other men do no have to be tested at this age.
Men age 50 and older:
To check for prostate cancer
- Your doctor should offer you a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a rectal exam every year. Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and the pros and cons of early detection and treatment to decide if this test is right for you.
To check for colon cancer
- Get regular colon cancer testing. There are several tests to check for colon cancer. Talk to your doctor about these tests, how often they are done, and which test is best for you.
Men of all ages:
To check for skin cancer
- As part of a routine cancer-related checkup, your doctor should check your skin carefully. Let him or her know if you have a family history of skin cancer or notice any changes in your skin or moles.
- It's important to check your own skin, preferably once a month.
Women under 40:
To check for breast cancer
- Have a doctor examine your breasts about every three years when you are in your 20s and 30s.
- Examining your own breasts beginning in your 20s is an option. Tell your doctor right away if you feel any changes in your breasts such as a lump.
To check for cervical cancer
- Begin cervical cancer screening (Pap test) about three years after you begin having intercourse, but no later than age 21.
- If you are 30 years of age or older, and have had three normal Pap test results in a row, you may be screened every two to three years. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor.
Women ages 40 to 49:
To check for breast cancer
- Have an x-ray (mammogram) of your breasts every year.
- Have a doctor examine your breasts every year.
- Tell your doctor right away if you feel or notice any changes in your breasts, such as a lump.
To check for cervical cancer
- Get a regular Pap Test. Ask your doctor how often you should have a Pap test. Most women have the test every one to three years.
Women age 50 and older:
To check for breast cancer
- Have an x-ray (mammogram) of your breasts every year.
- Have a doctor examine your breasts every year.
- Tell your doctor right away if you feel or notice any changes in your breasts, such as a lump.
To check for cervical cancer
- Get a regular Pap Test. Ask your doctor how often you should have a Pap test. Most women have the test every one to three years.
To check for colon cancer
- Get regular colon cancer testing. There are several tests to check for colon cancer. Talk to your doctor about these tests, how often they are done and which test is best for you.
For women of all ages:
To check for skin cancer
- As part of a routine cancer-related checkup, your doctor should check your skin carefully. Let him or her know if you have a family history of skin cancer or notice any changes in your skin or moles.
- It's important to check your own skin, preferably once a month.