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Cervical Cancer-Before the Age of 21
All women should begin cervical cancer screening about 3 years after they begin having vaginal intercourse. Screening should be done every year with the regular Pap test or every 2 years using the newer liquid-based Pap test. The Pap test checks for changes in the cells of your cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina (birth canal). The Pap test can tell if you have an infection, abnormal (unhealthy) cervical cells, or cervical cancer. -
Breast Cancer-Age 40
Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. During a mammogram, a woman's breast are compressed with a special machine. Images of each breast are taken with special x-ray film that is designed for breast tissue. Images are taken from different angles. -
Colon Cancer-Age 50
Beginning at age 50, both men and women should have a colonoscopy every 10 years. Colonoscopy is a procedure that that allows a physician to use a lighted, flexible tube, known as a colonoscope, to view the interior of the rectum and large intestine (colon) and look for abnormalities that could lead to colon cancer or other conditions. -
Prostate Cancer-Age 50
If you decide to be tested, you should have the PSA blood test with or without a rectal exam. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood. -
Endometrial Cancer
The American Cancer Society recommends that at the time of menopause, all women should be informed about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Women should report any unexpected bleeding or spotting to their doctors and get a endometrial biopsy. An endometrial biopsy happens when your doctor to take a small sample of the lining of the uterus (endometrium ). The sample is looked at under a microscope for abnormal cells.
