Cancer Screening Guidelines
Cancer screening programs are medical tests done to find out cancer at its earliest stage when the chances of cure are best. This is done when you are healthy and at this moment of time you may not have any signs of illness. There is specific screening test for men and women based on type of cancer. Risk of getting cancer in an individual depends on many factors like family history of cancer, personal health history. After analysing such history, a doctor can categorize an individual as high, average and low risk to cancer and person can undergo cancer screening test.
Breast Cancer
Risk factor
- Exposure to radiation
- Age
- Genetic Mutations and abnormality in BRCA 1 or BRCA 2, Cowden’s syndrome, Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
- History of Lobular Carcinoma in situ
- Family history of breast cancer and genetic predisposition
Breast Awareness Practice
- Breast Self-Examination
- Breast Clinical Examination
- Mammogram
- Breast MRI
Cervical Cancer
Risk factors
- History of cervical cancer or severe cervical dysplasia
- HPV Infection
- HIV Infection
- Improper body immune system
- DES (diethylstilbestrol) exposure
Cervical cancer Screening
- Pap Smear Test
Colorectal Cancer
Risk factors
- Personal history of precancerous colon polyps
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Family history of familial adenomatous polyposis not having undergone genetic testing
Colorectal cancer Screening
- Colonoscopy
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
Ovarian / Endometrial Cancer
Risk factors
- History of Hereditary Non-polyposis Colorectal Cancer
- History of Hereditary Ovarian Cancer Syndrome
Ovarian / Endometrial cancer screening
- Pelvic exam every six to 12 months
- CA-125 blood test every six to 12 months
- Trans-vaginal ultrasound every six to 12 months
Prostate Cancer
Risk factors
- Family history of prostate cancer
- Age 50 years or older
Prostate cancer Screening
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) every year
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test every year