Early Cancer Detection Chart

Early detection helps save lives. Help decrease your risk of developing cancer by using the below AFCR Early Cancer Detecion Guide or download your copy today by clicking HERE.

1. As a minimum, includes history, physical exam, blood/urine laboratory tests and chest x-ray as determined by your physician.
2. Beginning at age 21, women should have a Pap test every 3 years . Women ages 30 to 65 should have HPV and Pap co-testing every 5 years or a Pap test alone every 3 years. Women aged 65+ should stop cervical cancer screening if they have had 3 or more consecutive negative Pap tests; 2 or more consecutive negative HPV and Pap co-tests in the last 10 years with the latest test within 5 years; or have had a total hysterectomy.
3. Annual screening should be offered to individuals beginning at age 35 who belong to high-risk groups, defined as women with or at risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). Women at average risk should be informed of the early symptoms of endometrial cancer and report any unexpected bleeding or spotting to their physicians.
4. At age 50, men with average risk for prostate cancer and have a 10 years plus life expectancy should begin to discuss with their doctor about whether the PSA test is necessary for them. Those in high risk catagories should begin the discussion with their doctor as early as age 40.
5. Beginning at age 50, men and women should take one of the following examinations: Colonoscopy (every 10 years), Double-contrast barium enema (every 5 years), Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years), or FOBT or FIT, with at least 50% test sensitivity for cancer (yearly). Screening with the FOBT/FIT is with the take-home multiple sample method.
6. Apparent healthy current or former smokers ages 55-74 who have at least a 30 pack-year smoking history, and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years should begin the discussion about lung cancer screening (low dose helical CT or LDCT) with a clinician who has access to high-volume, high quality lung cancer screening and treatment centers.
Note: Your doctor may suggest a different testing schedule depending on your risk of developing a specific type of cancer. Discuss with your doctor about a test schedule that is tailored to your own situation.