Female Cancer Screening Timeline

By schmijor
  • Period: to

    Birth to Expected Death date

  • Cervical Cancer Screening Starts

    From ages 21 though 29 you should get a Pap test done every 3 years. Once you turn 30 through age 65 you should start getting a Pap and HAV test every 5 years. Unless there were abnormal results in the past, once you hit 65 you should not be getting screened for cervical cancer anymore. A Pap test/smear is performed in a doctor's office and the female puts their feet into stirrups. The doctor will then insert a speculum into your vagina and observe your cervix. He then takes a sample of cells.

  • Cervical Cancer Screening Starts (continued)

    The cells are tested and if their are any abnormal cells, the test will come back positive. This does not indicate that the patient immediately has cervical cancer. The doctor may require the patient to get a colposcopy to further investigate. If the results are negative, then the doctor did not find any abnormal cells and the patient does not have to return until the next scheduled pap smear. Within the pap smear test, they can also look for HPV infections, which can cause cell abnormalities.

  • Annual Breast Screenings may start

    At the age of 40, females may start to get annual breast cancer screenings if they choose to do so. Mammograms are the most common and recommended type of breast screening. Mammograms take an x-ray of the breast and look for early signs of breast cancer, like lumps and tumors. At this time, mammograms are the best way to find and detect breast cancer early.

  • Annual Mammograms should start

    Females should start to get mammograms every year.

  • Colorectal Regular Screenings Start

    If in good health and maintain that health, you should have regular screenings from age 45 to 75. From ages 76 to 85 you should ask your doctor if you should get screened, but once you turn 86 you should not be getting screened anymore. There are two tests that can be performed: stool and visual tests. The stool tests look for any signs of abnormalities, like blood, that can indicate cancer. Visual tests usually use a scope to look at the structure of the colon and rectum for any abnormalities.

  • Get told about Endometrial Cancer Risks and Symptoms

    Once a female hits menopause they should be getting told about the risks and symptoms of this type of cancer. Due to no family history, no procedure needs to be performed.

  • Annual Mammograms should switch to every TWO years

    Mammograms can stay to as annual screenings if need be. This screening should still be taking place if the person is in good health and is expected to live for 10 or more years.

  • Cervical Cancer Screening Ends

  • Colorectal Regular Screening ends