• a lump or thickening of the breast
• discharge from the nipple
• changes in the skin of the breast
• a feeling of heat
• or enlarged lymph nodes under the arm
Screening Guidelines
• Starting at age 20 – A monthly breast self-exam and a clinical breast exam every 3 years.
• Then at age 40 – A monthly breast self-exam, a clinical breast exam every year and a mammogram every year.
Cervical Cancer
Warning Signs
• abnormal Pap test results
• bleeding after intercourse
• excessive discharge
• and abnormal bleeding between periods
Screening Guidelines
• Starting no later than 21 – all women should have a Pap test every year or every two years using the newer liquid-based Pap test.
• At age 30 and older – Women may be screened every 2-3 years after three normal Pap test. Women at higher risk should continue to be screened annually.
Colorectal Cancer
Warning Signs
• rectal bleeding (red blood in stools or black stools)
• abdominal cramps
• constipation alternating with diarrhea
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• weakness
• pallid complexion
Screening Guidelines
• Beginning at age 50, both men and women should follow 1 of these 5 testing schedules:
o Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
o Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
o Yearly FOBT or FIT, plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
o Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years
o Colonoscopy every 10 years
• All positive tests should be followed up with a colonoscopy.
• People should talk to their doctor about starting colorectal cancer screening earlier and/or undergoing screening more often if they have any of the following colorectal cancer risk factors:
o A personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
o A strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
o A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease
o A family history of an hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
Lung Cancer
Warning Signs
• wheezing
• persistent cough for months
• blood-streaked sputum
• persistent ache in chest
• congestion in lungs
• enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
Screening Guidelines
• There have been no screening guidelines established for lung cancer (American Family Physician – “There is no evidence that screening for lung cancer is effective”)
Ovarian Cancer
Warning Signs
• pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
• vague but persistent gastrointestinal problems such as gas, nausea, and indigestion
• frequency and/or urgency of urination in the absence of an infection
• unexplained weight gain or weight loss
• pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness
• ongoing unusual fatigue
• unexplained changes in bowel habits
Screening Guidelines
• There have been no screening guidelines established for low-risk patients. However, women with a high risk of ovarian cancer may be screened with a transvaginal ultrasound.
Prostate Cancer
Warning Signs
• urination difficulties
• frequent feelings of urgency to urinate (especially at night)
• bladder not emptying completely, burning or painful urination
• bloody urine
• tenderness over the bladder
• and a dull ache in the pelvis or back.
Screening Guidelines
• If you’re 40 or older – Visit your doctor for a prostate exam and a PSA test every year and follow your doctor’s recommendations for next steps to stay healthy.
Skin Cancer
*Always use sunscreen (40 SPF or higher) when outdoors.
Warning Signs
• Any changes in a wart or mole outlined in the ABCD rule:
o Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
o Border Irregularity: The edges of the mole are ragged or notched.
o Color: The color over the mole is not the same.
o Diameter: The more is wider than one-fourth inch across.
Screening Guidelines
• Starting at age 20 – Talk with your doctor about a screening schedule based on your risk and have a skin examination every three years by your family physician.
• Then at age 40 – Have a skin examination every year and perform a skin self-exam monthly.
*All information from American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, and American Family Physician published by The American Academy of Family Physicians.
