But What If You Do Notice Something Wrong?
Certain changes could be a sign of cancer. For example, a change in bowel habits could mean cancer of the colon or rectum. A breast lump could mean breast cancer. Don't assume these or other changes are just a normal pan of growing older. See your doctor right away.
Who Should You Ask About Cancer Tests?
Perhaps you see one doctor just for your back or another doctor just for your heart. Maybe you see one doctor for checkups, but the subject of cancer has not come up. Why not bring it up yourself? Ask your family doctor, internist, or other trusted health professional about getting tested for cancer. The next section tells you about the tests to detect cancer early.
Cancer Tests
The tests in this booklet are right for most people age 65 and over.* But you and your doctor need to decide what is right for you. You may need certain tests more often if you have had cancer before, have some other medical conditions, or have a family member who has had cancer.
Most of the cancer tests described in this booklet take little time. Some tests may be uncomfortable, but they are not painful. Cancer tests are usually done right in your doctor's office.
Pring this out and bring this the next time you see your doctor. Together you can schedule your cancer tests. Then, as you get each test, write the date in the space provided.
You may be concerned about the cost of these cancer tests. Ask your doctor if Medicare will help or ask your own insurance company if they cover these tests. Medicare helps pay for some mammograms and Pap smears.
* For guidelines for people under 65, call the Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
BREASTS
A woman's risk of breast cancer increases with age. Fortunately, women can take three steps to find cancer early:
Mammogram
This x-ray of the breast can reveal problems up to 2 years before a lump can be felt. To find out where to get a mammogram, ask your doctor. Or, call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
Recommended: Every year.
Breast Exam
Your doctor should check your breasts for problems or changes that could be a sign of breast cancer.
Recommended: Every year, or as part of your regular health checkup.
Breast self-exam
Ask your doctor or nurse for instructions. You also can call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) for a free booklet.
Recommended: Every month.
UTERUS AND CERVIX
As women get older they have a higher risk of cancers of the female sex organs--especially cancers of the uterus and cervix. If you stopped seeing your gynecologist after menopause (change of life), it is important to ask your doctor about the following tests:
Pelvic Exam
The doctor feels the internal sex organs, bladder, and rectum for any changes in size or shape.
Recommended: Every year.
Pap smear
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is usually done at the same time as the pelvic exam. During this test, the doctor removes a few cells from the cervix with a swab. The cells then are checked under a microscope. After three normal annual Pap tests, your doctor may decide not to do the test for the next 1 to 3 years.
Recommended: Every year.
COLON AND RECTUM
Cancers of the colon and rectum are more likely to occur as people get older. Three tests can help find these cancers early:
Rectal Exam
In this test, the doctor gently feels for any bumps or irregular areas on the rectum.
Recommended: Every year, or as part of your regular health checkup.
Guaiac stool test
The guaiac (pronounced "gwy-ack") stool test is sometimes called a "fecal" or "stool" occult test or "hemoccult" test. This test can find unseen blood in stool samples. Your doctor can give you a simple kit to collect stool samples at home. Or, your doctor can do the test as part of a rectal exam.
Recommended: Every year.
Sigmoidoscopy or "procto"
The doctor looks for cancer in the colon and rectum with a thin, lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope.
Recommended: Every 3 to 5 years.
PROSTATE
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men--especially older men. More than 80 percent of prostate cancer cases occur in men age 65 and over.
Rectal Exam
The doctor feels the prostate through the rectum. Hard or lumpy areas may mean cancer is present.
Recommended: Every year.
PSA
The prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) measures the level of a specific protein in a man's blood. The protein seems to increase in cases of prostate cancer and other prostate diseases.
The National Cancer Institute is studying whether screening with the PSA test along with a rectal exam may help decrease deaths from prostate cancer.
TRUS
Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) detects cancer by using sound waves produced by an instrument inserted into the rectum. The waves bounce off the prostate, and the pattern of the echoes made by the waves is converted to a picture by computer. TRUS is not a routine test. The doctor will use this exam to help diagnose a man's problem.
COLON AND RECTUM
The three tests suggested for women also are suggested for men.
Rectal exam
Recommended: Every year, or as part of your regular health checkup.
Guaiac stool test
Recommended: Every year.
Sigmoidoscopy or "procto"
Recommended: Every 3 to 5 years.