Preventive Care for Men and Women: Cancer Screenings

Preventive care allows you to be in charge of your own health. It can help you gauge your current health status and find out ways to protect it now and in the future. Follow these recommendations for getting screened for cancer.

20s

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is most common in men between ages 20 and 34. Be aware of how your testes look and feel so you can report changes to your doctor. Check for any hard lumps or any change in the size, shape, feel, or color of the testes.

Cervical cancer

Screening for cervical cancer involves a Pap test and a pelvicexamination; testing should begin at age 21. If you notice changes, see your doctor for screening.

40s

Prostate cancer

Because prostate cancer grows very slowly, there’s not enough evidence to show that all men benefit from regular screening.

Starting at age 45, talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and whether you should be screened.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Here arethree ways to screen for it:

• Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel so you can report any changes to your doctor.

• Visit a hospital or clinic for a mammogram. Do this before your regular doctor visit so your doctor can discuss the results.

• Have your doctor check your breasts.

50s

Colon cancer

There are three different types of screening tests, all done on different schedules. If you’ve had a positive test in the past, future tests may need to be done more often than recommended here.

Get screened between the ages 50 and 75. Start earlier (usually 40) if you have a family history of colon cancer. Have a:

– Stool check every year, OR

– Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, OR

– Colonoscopy every 10 years

Lung cancer

People with a long smoking history are at increased risk for lung cancer and may benefit from screening. Current or past smokers age 55 or older should talk with their doctor about recommendations.

Ongoing

Skin cancer

Skin cancer is most often caught during a self-check. Look andfeel for moles or freckles that are irregular in color or shape or are changing in shape or size. If you notice changes, see your doctor for screening.

Related: 5 Steps to Reduce High Blood Pressure

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The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns

References: Intermountain Health. “Preventive Care for Women: Your plan.” 2019. PDF file. Intermountain Health. “Preventive Care for Men: Your plan.” 2019. PDF file.

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