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Self-screening
It is important to self-screen yourself and is important to notice if anything appears abnormal such as blemishes on your skin that could be skin cancer, a lump on the breast that could be breast cancer, or any other things that may occur. You know your body better than anyone so pay attention to anything that may come up because it could be very important to help with the detection of cancer. -
Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap Test
Starting at the age 21, and through age 29, all women should have a Pap test done every 3 years. If the test comes back abnormal, then there should be additional tests for HPV Starting at age 30, women at average risk should get a Pap test and HPV tests every 5 years.The Pap test is a procedure used to collect cells from the cervix so that they can be looked at under the microscope to find cancer and pre-cancer. -
Breast Cancer Screening: Mammogram
Know whether you are at a greater risk for developing breast cancer, if you are, then consider getting mammograms done once you are 21-25. If you are at average risk for developing breast cancer, it is recommended that you start getting mammograms at age 45. Mammography is the process of using low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening. It is recommended to get a mammogram every year to monitor if any cancer develops. -
Colon Cancer Testing
All women at an average risk of developing colon cancer should begin testing at the age of 50. Some of the types of screening tests are flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, CT colonography, guaiac-based fecal occult blood test, fecal immunochemical test, or stool DNA test. There are pros and cons to all of these test so it is best to discuss with your health care provider to see which test is best for you.