Cancer Screening Guidelines for Women

The cancer screening guidelines below are recommended for people at average risk for cancer with no specific symptoms. People who have an increased risk for particular cancers may need to follow a different screening schedule such as starting at an earlier age or being screened more often. Symptoms that could be cancer related should be discussed with a physician without delay.

20 to 35 Years of Age

One of the following (Start approximately three years after beginning intercourse but no later than age 21).

• Regular annual PAP test
• A liquid PAP test every other year***

Every Three Years

• Examination for cancer of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes and ovaries
• Clinical breast examination (Monthly breast self-exam is an option. Report any changes to your physician without delay.)

35 to 39 Years of Age

(All of the above in addition to the following)

Every Year
Screening for endometrial cancer with endometrial biopsy for women who have or are at high risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer

40 Years of Age and Older

(All of the above in addition to the following)

Every Year)

• Mammogram
• Clinical breast examination

50 Years of Age and Older

(All of the above in addition to the following)

Begin one of the following test schedules for colon cancer screening.

• Annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT*) and colonoscopy every 10 years or as recommended based on results of first colonoscopy)**
• Annual FOBT in addition to flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.**

To make an appointment today, call 865.305.6970.

^{*For FOBT, the take-home multiple sample method should be used.
**A digital rectal examination should be done at the same time as signoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
***After three normal tests in a row, test every two to three years unless at high risk; at 70 years of age and older, those who have had no abnormal PAP tests in the last 10 years may choose to stop; women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of uterus and cervix) may also choose to stop PAP testing unless surgery was for cervical cancer or precancer.}

Source: American Cancer Society Screening Guidelines