Guidelines are based on national recommendations.

Sharp has developed these cancer prevention guidelines to help our patients understand what screenings are needed and at what age. These are general guidelines based on recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the American Cancer Society, the American Academy of Family Physicians and other leading experts.

Keep in mind that these recommendations, with the exception of lung cancer screenings, are for healthy adults who do not have symptoms or other risk factors. It is important to talk to your doctor regarding your personal medical history and risk factors to determine which screenings are right for you.

Combined with a healthy lifestyle and regular self-examination, cancer screenings are an important tool in the prevention and detection of cancer. Because cancer is most treatable in its beginning stages, early detection can increase the chances of survival. That's why we encourage everyone to learn more about the importance of cancer screenings and prevention.

Our cancer screenings are an important tool.

Breast cancer:

• Clinical breast exam — initial examination should be given with a physical and a discussion of your personal and family health history at age 40, and then every year depending on your risk factors; at age 70, examination should be given based on your doctor's recommendation
• Mammogram — initial examination should be given with a physical and a discussion of your personal and family health history at age 40, and then every year depending on your risk factors; at age 70, mammogram should be given based on your doctor's recommendation

Cervical cancer:

• Pap smear — initial examination should be given with a physical and a discussion of your personal and family health history at age 21 or at the onset of sexual activity, and then every 1 to 3 years; after age 65, Pap smear should be given based on your gynecologist's recommendation
• Bimanual examination (ovaries and uterus) — initial examination should be given with a physical and a discussion of your personal and family health history at age 18, and then every 1 to 3 years; at age 40, examination should be done yearly

Colorectal cancer:

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (colonoscopy) — initial examination should be given at age 50 and then every 5 years
• Hemoccult — initial examination should be given with a physical and a discussion of your personal and family health history at age 50 and then yearly

Lung cancer:

Prostate cancer:

• Prostate examination — initial examination should be given with a physical and a discussion of your personal and family health history at age 50, and then yearly; depending on your risk factors, a prostate antigen test may also be recommended

Many of these screenings can be done during a regular office visit and don't necessarily have to be done in conjunction with a history and physical exam. If you have any questions about cancer screenings, talk with your doctor to determine what is best for you.

What you can do.

In addition to getting the regular cancer screenings listed above, we recommend that you perform routine breast, oral cavity, skin and testicular self-examinations periodically as advised by your doctor.