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18 yrs
This is when women should start looking for a gynecologist, and start receiving and thinking about examinations once a year with this doctor. So far, no cancer screenings are necessary. -
21-29 yrs
During this time for females, colon cancer is not a concern and screening is not necessary. For cervical cancer, it is recommended to get a pap smear every 3 years, in which there is a sample of cells from the cervix taken for examination of abnormalities within those cells, that would indicate cervical cancer. In regards to breast cancer, no examination is needed at this time at the doctors. However, you can routinely check for breast abnormalities or lumps at home. -
30-39 yrs
During this time, screening for colon cancer is still not needed, unless your doctor recommends you to based on high risk because of family history. In regards to breast cancer, still normal routine checks can be performed at home for checking for lumps or other abnormalities. In regards to cervical cancer, pap smears are then recommended every 5 years, and also HPV tests if you haven't been vaccinated. -
40-49
Mammograms are now recommended once per year for checking for breast cancer, in which a mammogram is a low-dose x-ray that allows radiologists to look for changes in breast tissue. Pap smears and HPV tests (for those who aren't vaccinated) are still recommended every 5 years for this age group of women in regards to screening for cervical cancer. -
50-64 yrs
Mammograms are still recommended every year for women in this age group in regards to preventing breast cancer. Cervical cancer is still being screened for by pap smears and HPV tests every 5 years. Colon cancer is just starting to get screened, if recommended by your doctor if you have a high family history risk factor. Lung cancer screenings are also beginning at this age for people who have a history of smoking, which would be conducted through a low-dose CT scan. -
65 + yrs
Mammograms are recommended to be taken every 2 years now for breast cancer screenings. Some screenings that could be performed for colon cancer would include a colonoscopy (small camera examination), flexible sigmoidoscopy (only looks at a part of colon and rectum) or double-contrast barium enema (type of x-ray test). Low-dose CT scans are also recommended for smokers in regards to lung cancer screenings.