As we age, the risk of certain types of diseases, including some cancers, increases. Cancer screening tests are a powerful tool for early detection and should be incorporated into routine check-ups based on your doctor’s recommendations.
Along with cancer screenings, you should discuss tobacco use, alcohol use, diet, exercise, and additional risk factors with your doctor.
Cancer screenings for men and women age 50 and older
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Colonoscopy—every 10 years
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
- Sigmoidoscopy—every 5 years
- Double-contrast barium enema—every 5 years
- Lung cancer screening
- Chest x-ray
- Low-dose CT
Cancer screening for men age 50 and older
- Prostate cancer
Cancer screening for women age 50 and older
- Breast cancer
- Annual mammography
- Advanced screenings for women at higher risk
- Cervical cancer
- Screening with Pap test every 2 to 3 years
