Good News on Fight Against Cancer

Cancer death rates in the United States have fallen for the second year in a row as noted in headline news today. The decrease in death rates has occurred in colon, breast and prostate cancer despite the fact that our population is growing in number and living longer. It's good to know that we are making progress in the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer.

These are some of the recent American Cancer Society's recommendations for screening of common cancers in adults who are at average risk and who do not have any symptoms. Please review to make sure that you are up to date on these recommendations and that you help this winning trend.

Breast Cancer Screening:
Clinical breast exam - at least every 3 years in women in their 20s and 30s and every year in women who are 40 years and older.
Mammography - every year starting at age 40 and with breast exam prior to mammogram.

Colo-rectal Cancer Screening:
Colonoscopy - every 10 years starting at age 50.
Fecal occult blood test and flexible sigmoidoscopy - every 5 years starting at 50.

Prostate Cancer Screening:
PSA and rectal exam - every year starting at age 50 for men who have a life expectancy of 10 years or more.