Screening Guidelines

The American Cancer Society guidelines for early detection of specific cancers, with risk based merely on age and sex, are the following:

SCREENING TEST	POPULATION
Sigmoidoscopy	Male & female age 50 and over: Every 3 to 5 years
Fecal Occult Blood test	Male & female age 50 and over: Every year
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)	Male & female age 40 and over: Every year
Prostate Exam (DRE & PSA test)	Male age 50 and over: Every year
Pap test Female	Women who are, or who have been sexually active, or have reached age 18, should have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After three or more consecutive normal annual examinations, the Pap test may be performed less frequently at the discretion of the physician.
Breast Self-Examination	Female age 20 and over: Monthly
Breast Clinical Examination	Female 20 to 40: Every three years over age 40: Every year
Mammography Female	age 40 to 49: Every 1 to 2 years age 50 and over: Every year

These are very general screening guidelines. Certain medical conditions, a specific family history of cancer, or exposure to certain toxic chemicals or conditions may increase significantly the risk of certain cancers and may warrant earlier, more frequent or more specific assessments.

More detailed information on the importance and methods of early detection of cancer can be obtained by calling the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER ((800) 422-6237) or visiting the following Web sites:

www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/PED_0.asp

www.nci.nih.gov/cancerinfo/screening

To make an appointment or find a physician, please call UK HealthCare at 859-257-1000 or toll free 1-800-333-8874.
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Page last updated Wednesday, January 31, 2007 3:02 PM