PREVENT AND DETECT CANCER AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE

Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age

Early 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.

QUESTIONS TO ASK AT EVERY AGE

“Every person’s risk for cancer is different,” Naik said. That’s why you should see your doctor regularly and stay ahead of any cancer screening tests you may need. According to Naik, here are some key questions for men and women in different age groups:

Women ages 21–39 Ask your doctor about cervical cancer testing, including an HPV test and/or Pap test. Know how your breasts feel normally and report any changes to your doctor. Ask your doctor if you have a higher than average risk for breast cancer or colon cancer because of family history, genetic disorders or other factors.

Men ages 21–39 Ask your doctor if you have a higher than average risk for colon cancer because of family history, genetic disorders or other factors.

Women ages 40–49 Continue with cervical cancer screening tests every three to five years. Ask your doctor about getting an annual breast cancer screening mammogram. If you have a high risk for breast cancer, find out if adding MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to your mammogram routine is right for you. Discuss getting your first colonoscopy at age 45 if you’re at average risk for colon cancer. Your doctor may recommend starting sooner if you’re at high risk for colon cancer.

Men ages 40–49 Find out if you’re at high risk for prostate cancer. If so, consult your doctor about the risks and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening in your 40s. Discuss getting your first colonoscopy at age 45 if you’re at average risk for colon cancer. Your doctor may recommend starting sooner, if you’re at high risk for colon cancer.

Women ages 50–64 Continue with cervical cancer screening tests every three to five years. Continue mammograms every year, or you can discuss with your doctor whether you should get a mammogram every two years. Get a colonoscopy every 10 years or more frequently as recommended by your doctor. If you’re a current or former smoker, have a discussion with your doctor about whether you’d benefit from a lung cancer screening starting at age 55.

Men ages 50–64 Starting at age 50, all men should talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer testing. Get a colonoscopy every 10 years or more frequently as recommended by your doctor. If you’re a current or former smoker, have a discussion with your doctor about whether you’d benefit from a lung cancer screening starting at age 55.

Women age 65+ Discuss whether to continue cervical cancer testing with your doctor. Continue with breast cancer screening mammograms every one or two years. Get a colonoscopy every 10 years through age 75, then ask your doctor whether you should continue testing. If you’re a current or former smoker, continue with lung cancer screening every year, if testing is recommended by your doctor.

Men age 65+ Get a colonoscopy every 10 years through age 75, then ask your doctor whether you should continue testing. If you’re a current or former smoker, continue with lung cancer screening every year, if testing is recommended by your doctor. Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer testing.

6 WAYS TO BE HEALTHY AND PREVENT CANCER

Here are six steps to help you live healthy and prevent cancer at any age:

1 help to quit reduces your risk for cancer and other health problems. Stay away from secondhand smoke and protect children from exposure to secondhand smoke.

2 of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. Try to limit the amount of time you spend sitting — even small bursts of activity can help your health.

3 diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit red meats, sugary drinks and highly processed foods.

4 increase your risk of several major diseases, including cancer. Talk to your doctor about starting a weight loss program to help you lose weight and keep it off.

5 alcohol to one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men.

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.