Tests To Find Cancers

I knew some of my friends were getting tested for colon cancer. But I didn't think it was very important because no one in my family has had colon cancer. Then a good friend of mine was diagnosed with colon cancer and had no family history of it. So I decided to ask my doctor about colon cancer testing. She told me that all people over age 50 need to be tested and then continue to be tested every 5-10 years, depending upon their situation.

Breast Cancer

Research shows that the best way to find breast cancer is to get a mammogram. This is an x-ray test that can find a breast cancer when it is so small that it cannot be felt. Most breast cancers are treated more easily when found early. 

All women aged 50 and older should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. This recommendation is based on scientific evidence. Ask your doctor how often you need a mammogram. Make sure to tell your doctor if your mother or a sister has had breast cancer. If so, you may need to have mammograms more often than other women. Your doctor may also examine your breasts.

Ask your doctor: How often do I need a mammogram?

Keep track of your mammograms. Use your cancer test chart

Cancer of the Cervix

Based on scientific evidence, women need to have a Pap test every 3 years, some more often. Set a date with your doctor to get a Pap test. 
Your doctor may suggest stopping Pap tests if:

• You are over age 65 and have had regular, normal Pap tests. 
• You have had a hysterectomy.

Ask your doctor: How often do I need a Pap test?

Keep track of your Pap tests. Use your cancer test chart

Colon Cancer

Starting at age 50, you should have tests to detect colon cancer. This advice is based on scientific research. The tests you may have are:

Fecal Occult Blood Test—To test for small amounts of blood in your stool. This test should be done yearly.

Sigmoidoscopy—To look inside the rectum and colon using a small, lighted tube. Your doctor will do this in the office or clinic. This test should be done once every 5 to 10 years. Tell your doctor if you have had polyps or if you have family member(s) with cancer of the colon, intestine, breast, ovaries, or uterus. If so, you may need to be tested more often.

Ask your doctor: How often do I need these tests?

Keep track of your tests. Use your cancer test chart

Oral Cancer 

If you chew or smoke tobacco and drink a lot of alcohol, you may want your dentist to examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer during your regular dental checkup. You may also need to see your dentist more often. 

Scientific evidence shows that you can help prevent oral cancer by not smoking and cutting back on the amount of alcohol you drink. If you are outdoors a lot, you should use a sunblock on your lips.

Ask your health care provider: How often should I get dental checkups?

Keep track of your dental visits. Use your personal prevention chart .

Prostate Cancer 

Tests such as a rectal exam and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test can help detect prostate cancer. Based on research, it is not yet clear whether these tests save lives. 

Ask your doctor: What are the pros and cons of tests for prostate cancer? 

Skin Cancer 

You may need to have your doctor examine your skin if:

• You have many moles (large freckles).
• You have been in the sun a lot.

• Limit the amount of time you spend in the sun, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Wear clothing that protects you from the sun.

Shots To Prevent Diseases

I watched some of my relatives suffer through bouts of pneumonia and just hoped it would never happen to me. I finally realized I could do more than hope. I found out about the pneumonia shot. I got the shot last year and now encourage all my friends and relatives to do the same. 

Adults need shots to prevent serious diseases. You should ask your doctor or other health care provider which shots are right for you.

Influenza (flu) shots

You may need flu shots before age 65 if you:

• Have lung, heart, or kidney disease.
• Have diabetes.
• Have AIDS or are infected with HIV.
• Have cancer.
• Are a health care worker.

Pneumococcal (pneumonia) shot

Keep track of the shots you receive. Use the shot charts

Tetanus-diphtheria shot

Keep track of the shots you receive. Use the shot charts

Hepatitis B shots

Generally, you should receive hepatitis B shots if you:

• Or your partner have had other sexual partners within the last 6 months.
• Are a male and have had sex with another male.
• Have had a sexually transmitted disease (STD) within the last 6 months.
• Have injected illegal drugs.
• Are a health care worker who is often exposed to blood or blood products.
• Had blood transfusions between 1978 and 1985.