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Cancer by the numbers: What's
your lifetime risk? Find out at
shannonhealth.com/ cancerfacts.cer
your
Two tests that actually
prevent cancer
Screening tests can help save lives by finding
diseases early, when they’re often easier to
treat. And two cancer screening tests not only
find cancer early; they can also keep it from
developing in the first place.
PAP TEST FOR
CERVICAL CANCER
How it’s done
Doctors gently scrape cells from the cervix
area for examination under a microscope.
How it prevents cervical cancer
The Pap test can find precancerous changes
in cells. Doctors can treat precancers, stop-
ping cancer before it starts.
Who should have it
Most women* should get tested:
■
■
Every three years starting at age 21.
■
■
Every five years from age 30, if a Pap test
is combined with a test for the human papil-
lomavirus (HPV), or every three years if HPV
testing is unavailable.
After age 65, testing may not be
recommended.
COLONOSCOPY FOR
COLON CANCER
How it’s done
Doctors examine the colon and rectum, while
a patient is sedated, to look for precancerous
growths.
How it prevents colon cancer
During a colonoscopy, doctors can remove
precancerous growths they find and stop can-
cer in its tracks. They can also remove some
cancers.
Who should have it
Most men and women* should get screened
for colon cancer starting at age 50 and con-
tinuing to at least age 75. A colonoscopy is
one of several screening tests available for
colon cancer.
*Talk to your doctor about the best screening schedule for you.
Sources: American Cancer Society; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Spring 2017
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