Q: How often should I get cancer screenings now that I’m over age 65?
A: The answer, according to the American Cancer Society, depends on the test:
Men
• Prostate Cancer. Overall health status, and not age alone, is important. Men who can expect to live at least 10 more years should talk with their doctors about the uncertainties, risks and potential benefits of testing.
Women
• Breast Cancer. Plan to get a mammogram every two years, or you can choose to get one yearly. Ask your doctor about the pros and cons. It’s important to know if you’re at higher- than-average risk. If you are, talk with your doctor about whether you need additional testing.
• Cervical Cancer. No testing is needed if you’ve had regular cervical-cancer testing with normal results for the past 10 years. No testing is needed after a hysterectomy that removed the uterus and cervix as long as it was done for reasons not related to cervical cancer. Women with a history of a serious cervical pre-cancer should continue testing for 20 years after that diagnosis.
Men and Women
• Colon Cancer. Testing is recommended, and there are many options. Talk with your doctor about which tests are best for you and how often to test.
• Lung Cancer. If you have a history of smoking, talk with your doctor about whether to get an annual low-dose CT scan to screen for early lung cancer. Discuss the benefits, limitations and risks of screening.
Source: American Cancer Society
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, June 2018
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