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Even if the reasons for the link between aging and cancer risk are not clear, an association does in fact exist. As a result, organizations such as the American Cancer Society (ACS) urge patients of an average risk to have screening tests for various types of cancer based on their age. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful.
The ACS recommends the following physical exams for patients at average risk of cancer. Patients with increased risk (such as those with a family history of cancer or who have had cancer in the past) may need to schedule these exams at an earlier age or with greater frequency. In addition, some races have a higher risk for certain cancers and these individuals may also need to be screened earlier and more frequently. Patients should consult their physician for the optimal tests and screening schedule for them. Screening tests and the recommended schedule include the following:
For Women Only
| Test |
First Test |
Frequency |
| Pap smear |
3 years after first intercourse OR no later than age 21 |
Yearly until age 30. Then, every 2 to 3 years (after 3 consecutive normal results). After age 70, women may stop screening if they have 3 consecutive normal results within 10 years |
| Pelvic exam |
Not specified |
Discuss with physician |
| Mammogram |
Age 40 |
Yearly; Continue as long as woman is in good health |
For Men Only
| Test |
First Test |
Frequency |
| Digital rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen blood test |
Age 50 (45 for high-risk patients)
|
Yearly |
For Women & Men, Choose One of Five Options
| Test |
Age for First Test |
Frequency |
| Fecal occult blood test (FBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) |
Age 50 |
Yearly |
| Flexible sigmoidoscopy |
Age 50 |
Every 5 years |
| FOBT or FIT and flexible sigmoidoscopy |
Age 50 |
Every 5 years |
| Colonoscopy |
Age 50 |
Every 10 years
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| Double-contrast barium enema |
Age 50 |
Every 5 to 10 years |
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