Uterus
Guidelines for Early Detection from American Cancer Society:
Cervix
- All women should begin cervical cancer testing about 3 years after they begin having vaginal intercourse, but not later than 21 years of age. Testing should be done every year with the regular Pap test or every two years using the newer liquid-based Pap test.
- Beginning at age 30, women who have had three normal Pap tests in a row may get tested every two to three years with either Pap test. But doctors may suggest getting the test more often if a woman has certain conditions such as HIV infection or a weak immune system.
- Women over 30 may also get tested every three years with either Pap test, PLUS the HPV DNA test.
- Women 70 years of age or older who have had three or more normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal Pap test results in the last 10 years may choose to stop having cervical cancer testing.
- Testing after a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) is not necessary unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cervical cancer or precancer.
Endometrium
- At the time of menopause, women should be informed about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer and strongly encouraged to report any vaginal spotting or bleeding to their doctors.
- Beginning at age 35, women with or at high risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) should be offered endometrial biopsy every year.
(Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer, American Cancer Society)
*** These guidelines are for the early detection of cancer for people without symptoms. Some people are at higher risk for certain cancers, so they may need to have tests more often and start when they are younger. Talk with your health care professional to find out how these guidelines relate to you.
Cancer-Related Checkups
For individual undergoing periodic health examinations, a cancer-related checkup 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.
For more information from the American Cancer Society, please visit www.cancer.org