Cancer Screenings Help Detect Disease Early

This is from the Health Net mailing:

Colon and rectal cancer. Various tests can screen for this disease. Screening usually begins at age 50. How often you get screened depends on which test your doctor recommends.

Breast cancer. Starting at age 40, women should have a mammogram every year. Some women may need to start when they are younger and have mammograms more often.

Cervical cancer. Women should have their first cervical cancer screening about 3 years after they begin having sex, but no later than age 21. Cervical cancer screenings should be done once a year for women in their 20s. After age 30, women who have had 3 normal tests in a row may switch to 1 cervical cancer screening every 2 or 3 years.

Prostate cancer. For most men, tests to detect prostate cancer should be offered beginning at age 50. Men at high risk, such as African Americans, should start at age 45. Exams include a DRE (digital rectal exam) and a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test.

Skin cancer. Regularly check your skin -- especially moles -- for signs of skin cancer. If you find a new mole unlike the others or notice a change in a mole, see your doctor.