A cancer-related checkup is recommended every three years for people aged 20 - 40 and yearly for people age 40 and older. This exam should include health counseling and depending on a person's age, might include examinations for cancers of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, testes and ovaries, as well as for some nonmalignant diseases.

Women 40 and older should have an annual mammogram, an annual clinical breast exam performed by a healthcare professional and should perform monthly breast self-examination. The exam should be conducted close to the scheduled mammogram. Women ages 20 - 39 should have a clinical breast exam performed by a healthcare professional every three years and should perform monthly breast self-examination.

Men and women aged 50 or older should follow one of the examination schedules below:

• A fecal occult blood test every year and a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.^*
• A colonoscopy every five years.^*
• A double-contrast barium enema every five to 10 years.^*

The ACS recommends that both the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal examination be offered annually, beginning at age 50, to men who have a life expectancy of at least 10 years and to younger men who are at high risk. Men in high-risk groups, such as those with a strong familial predisposition (e.g., two or more affected first-degree relatives), or African Americans may begin at a younger age (e.g., 40 years).

All women who are or have been sexually active or who are 18 and older should have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After three or more consecutive examinations with normal findings, the Pap test may be performed less frequently. Discuss the matter with your physician.

Women at high risk for cancer of the uterus should have a sample of endometrial tissue examined when menopause begins.