Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age
PREVENT AND DETECT CANCER AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
E
arly detection is a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer. Cancer screening tests can detect cancer before it spreads or causes any symptoms. When cancer is found early, the chances for effective treatment are better. That’s why it’s important to stay on track with cancer screening tests. “Knowing what cancer screening tests to get Dr. Nirav Naik and when can help you defend against cancer,” said Dr. Nirav Naik, hematologist-oncologist with the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Baytown. “Ask your doctor about cancer prevention and screening tests — and encourage your loved ones to do the same.”
CANCER SCREENING GUIDELINES
The American Cancer Society suggests the following guidelines for the early detection of cancer. Depending on your family history and other risk factors, your doctor may recommend a different screening schedule for you.
SCREENING TEST
Compassionate Cancer Care
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, call 281.420.7211 to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with a specialist with the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Baytown or visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-baytown to learn more about our services. Correction: On page 7 of the article “Mammograms FAQ” in the fall 2021 edition of Leading Medicine, the word “fibrous” was used to describe the density level of breast tissue. “Fibroglandular” should have been used, as it is a more accurate description of high-density tissue.
4 LEADING MEDICINE IN EAST HOUSTON/BAYTOWN
AGE
FREQUENCY
Cervical cancer Starting at age 21 screening
Every 3–5 years
Colonoscopy
Starting at age 45
Every 10 years
Lung cancer screening
Current or former smokers ages 55–77
Every year
Mammogram
Talk to your doctor starting at age 40
Every 1–2 years
Prostate cancer screening
Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of testing starting at age 45
Ask your doctor
Sources: American Cancer Society and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
