Cancer Related Checkups
Fighting cancer begins with education. Knowing how to lower your cancer risks and recognizing the signs and symptoms of cancer begins with you.
Forrest General offers the following information:
The following are guidelines for the early detection of cancer in people without symptoms. Talk with your doctor. Ask how these guidelines relate to you.
WOMEN UNDER AGE 40
Cancer-related checkup every three years, unless otherwise indicated below:
This should include procedures listed below plus health counseling (such as tips on quitting tobacco use) and examinations for cancers of the thyroid, mouth, ovaries, skin and lymph nodes. Some people are at higher risk for certain cancers and may need to have tests more frequently.
Breast
- Have a clinical breast examination (CBE), ages 20-39 by a doctor or nurse every three years.
- Perform a breast self-examination (BSE) every month.
*If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, discuss mammography screening guidelines and scheduling with your health care provider.
Uterus
- Have a pelvic exam every one to three years with a Pap test, if age 18 and over.
- All women who are or have been sexually active or have reached age 18 should have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After three or more consecutive satisfactory examinations with normal findings, the Pap test may be performed less frequently at the discretion of your physician.
WOMEN OVER AGE 40
Cancer-related checkup every year, unless otherwise indicated below:
This should include the procedures listed below plus health counseling (such as tips on quitting tobacco use) and examinations for cancers of the thyroid, mouth, ovaries, skin, and lymph nodes. Some people are at higher risk for certain cancers and may need to have tests more frequently.
Breast
- Have a mammogram every year.
- Have an annual clinical breast examination (CBE) by a doctor or nurse (CBE should be done close to the time of the mammogram).
- Perform a breast self-examination (BSE) every month.
Uterus
- Have a pelvic exam every year.
- All women who are or have been sexually active or have reached age 18 should have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After three or more consecutive satisfactory examinations with normal findings, the Pap test may be performed less frequently at the discretion of your physician.
- Have an endometrial tissue sample at menopause, if at high risk.
MEN OVER AGE 40
Cancer-related checkup every year, unless otherwise indicated below:
This should include the procedures listed below plus health counseling (such as tips on quitting tobacco use) and examinations for cancers of the thyroid, mouth, testicles, skin, and lymph nodes. Some people are at higher risk for certain cancers and may need to have tests more frequently.
Prostate
- Have a digital rectal exam every year, age 50 and older.
- Have a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test every year, age 50 and over.
MEN & WOMEN OVER AGE 40
Cancer-related checkup every year, unless otherwise indicated below:
This should include the procedures listed below plus health counseling (such as tips on quitting tobacco use) and examinations for cancers of the thyroid, mouth, skin, and lymph nodes. Some people are at higher risk for certain cancers and may need to have tests more frequently.
Colon & Rectum
- Have a digital rectal exam every year.
- Have a fecal occult blood test every year after age 50.
- Have a sigmoidoscopy, preferably flexible, every three to five years after age 50.
Skin
- Look at your skin. Check moles, spots and birthmarks monthly.
- See your doctor if a mole changes size, shape or color, or if there is an unusual growth on your skin. Also report skin that changes color in certain spots or any sore that won't heal.
- Avoid the sun whenever possible. Otherwise, use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Wear hats, long sleeved shirts and pants.
- Never use sunlamps, tanning beds or tanning pills. They can be just as harmful as the sun.
These guidelines are not rules and apply only to people without symptoms.
Source: American Cancer Society and Forrest General Hospital
Contact FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445 or send an e-mail for more information about Cancer Related Checkups.
