I knew some of my friends were getting tested for colon cancer. But I didn't think it was very important because no one in my family has had colon cancer. Then a good friend of mine was diagnosed with colon cancer and had no family history of it. So I decided to ask my doctor about colon cancer testing. She told me that all people over age 50 need to be tested and then continue to be tested every 5-10 years, depending upon their situation.
—Sam O.
Breast Cancer
As women get older, their chances of getting breast cancer increase. In fact, most breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50.
Research shows that the best way to find breast cancer is to get a mammogram. This is an x-ray test that can find a breast cancer when it is so small that it cannot be felt. Most breast cancers are treated more easily when found early.
All women aged 50 and older should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. This recommendation is based on scientific evidence. Ask your doctor how often you need a mammogram. Make sure to tell your doctor if your mother or a sister has had breast cancer. If so, you may need to have mammograms more often than other women. Your doctor may also examine your breasts.
Ask your doctor:
How often do I need a mammogram?
Keep track of your mammograms. Use your cancer test chart .
Cancer of the Cervix
All sexually active women are at risk for cancer of the cervix. Most deaths from cancer of the cervix can be prevented if the cancer is found and treated early. A Pap test can find cancer of the cervix early—while it's easier to cure. This simple test saves lives.
Based on scientific evidence, women need to have a Pap test every 3 years, some more often. Set a date with your doctor to get a Pap test.
Your doctor may suggest stopping Pap tests if:
You are over age 65 and have had regular,
normal Pap tests.
You have had a hysterectomy.
Tell your doctor if you have had genital warts, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), multiple sex partners, or abnormal Pap tests. If so, you may need Pap tests more often than other women.
Ask your doctor:
How often do I need a Pap test?
Keep track of your Pap tests. Use your cancer test chart.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer. Older men and women are more likely to get colon cancer than those who are younger. But if caught early, colon cancer can be treated more easily. Effective tests are available to find colon cancer. However, many people do not take advantage of these tests.
Starting at age 50, you should have tests to detect colon cancer. This advice is based on scientific research. The tests you may have are:
Fecal Occult Blood Test—To test for small amounts of blood in your stool. This test should be done yearly.
Sigmoidoscopy—To look inside the rectum and colon using a small, lighted tube. Your doctor will do this in the office or clinic. This test should be done once every 5 to 10 years. Tell your doctor if you have had polyps or if you have family member(s) with cancer of the colon, intestine, breast, ovaries, or uterus. If so, you may need to be tested more often.
Ask your doctor:
How often do I need these tests?
Keep track of your tests. Use your cancer test chart .
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer includes cancers of the lip, tongue, pharynx, and mouth. Most oral cancers occur in people over age 40 who use tobacco or alcohol. People who are in the sun a lot also are at risk for cancer of the lip.
If you chew or smoke tobacco and drink a lot of alcohol, you may want your dentist to examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer during your regular dental checkup. You may also need to see your dentist more often.
Scientific evidence shows that you can help prevent oral cancer by not smoking and cutting back on the amount of alcohol you drink. If you are outdoors a lot, you should use a sunblock on your lips.
Ask your health care provider:
How often should I get dental checkups?
Keep track of your dental visits. Use your cancer test chart .
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is most common in men over age 50, in African Americans, and in men with a family history of prostate cancer.
Tests such as a rectal exam and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test can help detect prostate cancer. Based on research, it is not yet clear whether these tests save lives.
Ask your doctor:
What are the pros and cons of tests for
prostate cancer?
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Most skin cancers can be cured, especially if they are found and treated early.
You may need to have your doctor examine your skin if:
You have many moles (large freckles).
You have been in the sun a lot.
Ways to help prevent skin cancer:
Limit the amount of time you spend in the
sun, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Wear clothing that protects you from the
sun.
If you have any questions or comments on senior health nutrition, fitness, etc., go to the Senior Health Forum where we are talking about the following:
The information contained in these pages
is for educational / reference use only.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health
