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Birth
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Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer screenings, or a visit to the dermatologist, should begin at age 0. Since my grandpa died of skin cancer, I am at a higher risk of developing it. These exams should continue annually throughout my life. During this exam, the dermatologist would visually examine moles, birthmarks, and freckles that appear to be unusual in color, shape or texture. If cancer is suspected, these marks can be removed and a biopsy can be performed on them. -
Cervical Cancer Screening - Pap Smear
Pap smears should begin at age 21. Pap spears include the collection of cells from the cervix. These cells are then analyzed. A negative result means the cells collected are normal, and a positive result means the cells found are abnormal. This does not necessarily indicate cancer, but there is a possibility. With a positive result, an HPV test is usually conducted. However, if the result was negative, no HPV test is needed. Pap smears should be completed every 3 years. -
Cervical Cancer Screening - Pap Smear and HPV Test
Beginning at age 30, pap tests can now be performed every 5 years, however, an HPV test is now added. An HPV test is almost identical to the pap smear, but the cervical cells collected are checked for the HPV virus. This test can be done at the same time as the pap smear. -
Breast Cancer Screening - Mammogram
Beginning at age 40, mammograms screen for breast cancer by taking an x-ray of the breasts to check for changes. These x-rays are taken at two different angles at lower than the usual amount, so the breast tissue can be viewed. However, in order to properly view the breast tissue on an x-ray, the breast tissue must be compressed and spread out. These do not specifically indicate cancer but can help to indicate if more testing is needed. Mammograms should be completed annually. -
Colon Cancer Screening - Colonoscopy
Beginning at age 49, colonoscopies should begin. In a colonoscopy, a long flexible tube with a tiny camera attached is inserted into the rectum. The doctor will be able to study the inside of the colon to look for abnormal tissue growth in the colon called polyps. These can be removed and tested for cancer. Colonoscopies should be performed every 10 years. -
Breast Cancer Screening - Mammogram
Mammograms can now be completed every 2 years. -
Cervical Cancer Screening - Pap Smear and HPV Test
Pap smears and HPV tests are no longer needed at age 65, as long as the previous results of the tests have been normal. -
Colon Cancer Screening - Colonoscopy
Colonoscopies can stop at age 75, as long as previous results have revealed no problems. -
Death
