Prevention

Saint Francis Medical Center's Cancer Institute, affiliated with MD Anderson Cancer Network^TM and approved to offer the MD Anderson Cancer Manager^® program, is a strong advocate of cancer prevention and encourages regular screenings for various forms of cancer, including:

Breast

Self-exam: Monthly
Clinical breast exams: Initial breast exam at age 20 and then every 3 years. Every year after age 40.
Mammography: Every 1-2 years after age 40.

Cervical

Pelvic exam: Every year after age 18 or becoming sexually active. Discuss with your healthcare provider.
Pap test: Start 3 years after becoming sexually active or at age 21. Every 3 years with liquid-base. At age 30 and older, after 3 normal results in a row, screenings every 2 years. At age 70 and older, after 3 normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal tests in the past 10 years, the woman may choose to stop the test. After a hysterectomy, check with your primary doctor or healthcare provider.

Colon-Rectal (age 50 and older)

Fecal occult blood test: Every year
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Every 5 years
Barium enema: Every 5 years
Colonoscopy: Every 10 years (if flexible sigmoidoscopy and barium enema are not used)