Cancer Risk Factors and Early Intervention

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that screening mammography begin by age 40 with mammograms every one to two years for ages 40-49 and annually for ages 50 and over. Monthly breast self-exam is recommended for women age 20 and over with examination by a health care professional every three years from ages 20-40 and then annually.

Colon and Rectum Cancers

The ACS recommends three tests for the early detection of colon and rectum cancers in people without symptoms-a digital rectal exam by a physician every year after age 40; and after age 50, stool blood test every year and sigmoidoscopy, preferably flexible, every three-five years.

Cervical Cancer

Women who are or have been sexually active or who are age 18 and over should have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After three or more consecutive satisfactory normal annual exams, the Pap test may be performed less frequently at the discretion of her physician. Women age 40 and over should have an annual pelvic examination.

Prostate Cancer

Men age 40 and over should have an annual digital rectal examination; age 50 and over should have an annual prostate-specific antigen blood test.

Lung Cancer

Because symptoms often do not appear until the disease is in advanced stages, early detection is very difficult. Smoking is responsible for 87 percent of lung cancers and is also associated with cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, pancreas, uterine cervix, kidney and bladder. Smoking accounts for 30 percent of all cancer deaths and is a major cause of heart disease. In smokers who stop smoking at the time of early precancerous cellular changes, damaged bronchial lining tissues often return to normal.

Melanoma of the Skin

Adults should practice skin self-examination once a month and appearance of new growths or changes in skin growths should be evaluated promptly by a physician. These cancers often start as small, mole-like growths that become ulcerated and bleed easily with a slight injury. The ABCD rule outlines the signs:

• Asymmetrical (mole halves do not match)
• Borders irregular (edges are ragged, blurred, notched)
• Color changes or is nonuniform
• Diameter is large (greater than six mm) or has suddenly increased in size

Source: American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 1995.