Milestones

Men

Colon Cancer Testing
Find out if you are at higher than average risk for colon cancer. If not, then no test is needed at this time.


Women

Breast Exam (performed by a doctor or nurse)
Every three years. As part of the exam, talk to your healthcare professional about your risk for breast cancer.

Report any breast changes to your doctor or nurse without delay.

Pap Test (Cervical Cancer Testing)
Every one to two years, depending on the type of test.

Colon Cancer Testing
Find out if you are at higher than average risk for colon cancer. If not, then no test is needed at this time.

Men

Colon Cancer Testing
Find out if you are at higher than average risk for colon cancer. If not, then no test is needed at this time.


Women

Colon Cancer Testing
Find out if you are at higher than average risk for colon cancer. If not, then no test is needed at this time.

Breast Exam (performed by a doctor or nurse)
Every three years

Mammogram
Find out if you are at higher than average risk for breast cancer. If not, then no test is needed at this time.

Report any breast changes to your doctor or nurse without delay.

Pap Test (Cervical Cancer Testing)
Every one to three years, depending on the type of test

Men

Colon Cancer Testing
Find out if you are at higher than average risk for colon cancer. If not, then no test is needed at this time.

Prostate Cancer Testing
African American men and men with close family members with prostate cancer should talk with their doctor about the benefits and limitations of testing beginning at age 45 so they can decide if they want to be tested.


Women

Colon Cancer Testing
Find out if you are at higher than average risk for colon cancer. If not, then no test is needed at this time.

Breast Exam (performed by a doctor or nurse)
Every three years

Mammogram
Test every year. If you are at higher risk for breast cancer than most women, then ask a healthcare professional about additional tests.

Report any breast changes to your doctor or nurse without delay.

Pap Test (Cervical Cancer Testing)
Every one to three years, depending on the type of test you get and past results.

Men

Colon Cancer Testing
Start testing at age 50. Talk with a healthcare professional about which tests are best for you and how frequently tests should be done.

Prostate Cancer Testing
Men should talk with their doctor about the benefits and limitations of yearly testing beginning at age 50 so they can decide if they want to be tested.


Women

Colon Cancer Testing
Start testing at age 50. Talk with a healthcare professional about which tests are best for you and how frequently tests should be done.

Breast Exam (performed by a doctor or nurse)
Every year

Mammogram
Every year.

Report any breast changes to your doctor or nurse without delay.

Pap Test (Cervical Cancer Testing)
Every one to three years, depending on the type of test you get and past results. Pap testing after a total hysterectomy is not necessary unless the surgery was done for cervical cancer.

Men

Colon Cancer Testing
Testing recommended. Talk with a healthcare professional about which tests are best for you and how frequently tests should be done. Covered under Medicare.

Prostate Cancer Testing
Men should talk with their doctor about the benefits and limitations of yearly testing so they can decide if they want to be tested. Covered under Medicare.


Women

Colon Cancer Testing
Testing recommended. Talk with a healthcare professional about which tests are best for you and how frequently tests should be done. Covered under Medicare.

Breast Exam (performed by a doctor or nurse)
Every year

Mammogram
Every year. Covered under Medicare.

Report any breast changes to your doctor or nurse without delay.

Pap Test (Cervical Cancer Testing)
Every one to three years, depending on the type of test you get and past results. Covered under Medicare. If you are 70 and over, you may stop testing if you have had three normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal Pap tests in the past 10 years. Pap testing after a total hysterectomy is not necessary unless the surgery was done for cervical cancer.

Men and Women

Take Control of Your Health: Reduce Your Cancer Risk

There are simple choices you can make that can reduce your risk of getting cancer. Many of the things you can do to prevent cancer also help fight heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The changes you can make may be easier than you think. Consider the following for you and your family:

Stay Away from Tobacco

There is no safe form of tobacco. If you smoke or chew tobacco, stop! Encourage the people around you to quit.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese can raise your risk of many different types of cancers. Everyday choices for healthy eating and exercise can help you control your weight and lower your cancer risk by:

• Avoiding excessive weight gain
• Balancing the calories you take in with the amount of physical activity you do

If you are overweight, get to a healthy weight and stay there. Watching your portion sizes is an important part of weight control – especially for foods high in fat and sugar. Low-fat and fat-free doesn’t always mean low-calorie, so read labels and try to substitute fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for higher-calorie foods.

Get Moving

Adults
Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, above your usual activities, on 5 or more days of the week. Forty-five to 60 minutes of intentional physical activity on 5 or more days of the week is even better.

Children and adolescents
Engage in at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least 5 days of the week.

Eat Healthy
Eat a variety of at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. They contain many vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber, antioxidants, and other good-for-you substances. Because they are generally low in fat and calories, they may also help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps reduce your risk of cancer.

Choose whole-grain rice, bread, pasta, and cereal over processed (refined) grains. Look for whole wheat, pumpernickel, rye, or oats as the first ingredient on the food label.

Limit the amount you eat of processed meats like cold cuts, bacon, and hot dogs, and red meats, such as beef, pork, and lamb. These meats contain substances that can increase your chances of developing cancer. They also add a lot of fat and cholesterol to your diet. Instead, try lean meats (look for loin or round in the name, and the amount of fat on the meat) in smaller portions, skinless poultry breasts, fish, or legumes (peas and beans) as healthier sources of protein.

Limit How Much Alcohol You Drink

Men should have no more than 2 drinks per day, and women should have no more than 1 drink per day. A drink is 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 ½ ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.