Guidelines for Early Detection of Cancer
Finding cancer in its early stages improves the chances for cure or long term survival. Your doctor may decide to examine you more frequently because of a family history of cancer or because of other lifestyle or environmental factors.
Breast Cancer	A monthly breast self exam should be conducted beginning at age 20. A clinical breast exam should be conducted by a doctor every three years for women between the ages of 20 and 39 and yearly for women age 40 and over. A mammogram should be conducted every one to two years after age 40 and every year after age 50.
Cervical Cancer:	A Pap smear should be conducted beginning at age 18 and yearly thereafter. After a woman has had three normal Pap smears in a row, her doctor may recommend a less frequent Pap smear schedule.
Prostate Cancer:	Every man 40 years of age or older should have a digital rectal exam as part of his yearly physical exam. Also, as a part of screenings for prostate cancer, a special blood test called PSA is often done along with the rectal exam.
Testicular Cancer:	A monthly self examination of the testicles should be conducted beginning at age 13. An exam of the testicles should be conducted by a doctor as part of a yearly physical exam.
Colon and Rectal Cancers:	A digital rectal exam should be conducted every year after age 40. A visual exam of the rectum and colon should be done every three to five years after age 50. A stool blood test should be done every year after the age 50.
Cancers of the Mouth:	An examination of the tongue, floor of the mouth, salivary glands and lymph nodes of the neck should be done by a doctor or dentist as part of a yearly physical exam. This is especially important for people who chew tobacco, smoke, or smoke and drink a lot of alcohol.
Skin Cancer:	A monthly self examination of the skin should be conducted. Any unusual changes in the skin should be checked by a doctor.