A mammogram is a screening device that is used to identify a cancerous lump in its early stages. There is controversy about when women who are at low risk for developing breast cancer should start to have periodic mammograms, but many organizations suggest that screening or at least discussion about screening should start at age 40. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), American Cancer Society, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are some organizations that provide guidelines for breast cancer screening.

If you are interested in getting a mammogram, you should be able to find a certified facility through your doctor. Insurance usually covers the procedure. The National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (1-800-422-6237) can also provide a list of certified facilities, answer related questions, and make referrals for free or low cost mammograms if you are uninsured or underinsured.

Colon Cancer

The risk of developing colon cancer increases with age, so it is important to learn the facts about this disease and tests that can help doctors detect it. It is one of the most common types of cancer in women. As is the case with any type of cancer, early detection is the key to survival.

While there are many organizations that offer guidelines for colon cancer, the most common recommendations for people aged 50 years and older include:

• Fecal occult blood test (detects blood in the stool)—every year
• Sigmoidoscopy—visual exam of the rectum and lower portion of the colon, every five years, or
• Colonoscopy (visual exam of the rectum and entire colon) every 10 years, or
• Barium enema (x-rays of the lower intestines using barium)—every 5 years, or
• Computed tomographic colonography (computer that uses x-rays to make a picture of your intestines) every 5 years.

Cervical Cancer

A Pap test is used to identify cervical cancer before symptoms become apparent. As part of the test, cells scraped from the cervix are smeared on a slide and examined under a microscope for any unusual looking cells. Suspect cells identified during this procedure indicate the need for further testing.

A sexually transmitted virus called the human papilloma virus (HPV) can cause changes in cervical cells. In some cases, these changes can lead to cancer. The HPV test, which can be used along with the Pap test, screens women for the HPV virus. The same cervical sample taken for the Pap test can be tested for HPV.

If you are a healthy woman, many professional health organizations offer these recommendations for screening:

• If you are aged 21-29 years—It is recommended that you have the Pap test every 3 years.
• If you are aged 30-65—It is recommended that you have the Pap test along with the HPV test every five years. (Or, you can continue to have just the Pap test every three years.)
• If you are aged 65 or older—You may be able to stop having Pap and HPV tests if you have had normal results (eg, three normal results in a row and no abnormal results in the past 10 years).

Note: You will need to have Pap tests done more often if you have abnormal results or certain conditions, such as:

• HIV
• Suppressed immune system
• Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero (in the womb)—an estrogen-like substance given to prevent miscarriages in high-risk pregnancies
• History of cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer