Cancer Detection Guidelines

Women 21-29 should have a Pap test every 3 years, even if vaccinated for HPV. Women 30-65 should have HPV and Pap co-testing every 5 years or Pap test alone every 3 years. Women ages 66+ should stop cervical cancer screening if they have had ≥3 consecutive negative Pap tests or ≥2 consecutive negative HPV and Pap tests within the past 10 years, with the most recent test occurring in the past 5 years; or have had a total hysterectomy.

Beginning at age 35, for women at high risk for endometrial cancer only. This especially includes women with genetic mutations associated with hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). Women with HNPCC who have finished having children may choose to have a hysterectomy.

 Research has not yet proven whether the benefits of prostate cancer screening outweigh the harms of testing and treatment. All men should talk with their doctor to decide if testing is right for them, beginning at age 50 for men at average risk, age 45 for African American men and high risk men, and age 40 for those with family history at a young age.

 Beginning at age 45, men and women should take one of the following examinations: Colonoscopy (every 10 years), CT Colongraphy (every 5 years), MT-sDNA (every 3 years), or gFOBT or FIT, with at least 50% test sensitivity for cancer (yearly). Screening with the MT-sDNA, FOBT and FIT is done at home. Screening should continue to age 75. Your doctor may suggest screening up to age 85.

Lung cancer screening should only be considered for persons who meet all of the following criteria: Aged 55-74, in fairly good health, have a 30 pack-year smoking history, and either still smoke or quit within the past 15 years. Screening should only be done at facilities that have experience in LDCT for lung cancer screening. Discuss risks and benefits with your physician to decide if screening is right for you. Screening should not be viewed as an alternative to smoking cessation.