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Cancer screening by age: what and when
cancer screening · cancer check-up · cancer screening tests · cancer prevention check
These are checks that help find cancer early, when nothing bothers you yet. Which ones depend on your age and sex.
For all adults by age; earlier and more often if close relatives had cancer or there are other risk factors.
⏱ Duration: a visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, the checks themselves are on different days, and results take 1 day to 2 weeks
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- What is usually checked. The cervix and breast in women, the bowel in everyone from a certain age, and the lungs in smokers. Your doctor will give the exact list for your age.
- Preparation. Each check has its own preparation. Ask the clinic about each one.
- Papers. Collect the results of past checks, which helps avoid repeats.
What to bring
- An ID
- Results of past mammograms, smears, and colonoscopies
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- The doctor asks about your health and your relatives
- Decides which checks you need for your age
- Gives you referrals
- You have the checks on the set days
- The doctor reviews the results and tells you when to repeat
What you'll feel
- The visit itself does not hurt
- Some checks can be unpleasant, but they are short
Afterwards
- If all is well, the next check is set after the time suited to your age
- If something is found, you will be sent for more tests, and that is not yet a diagnosis
- Write down the dates of your checks so you do not miss one
Common questions
Why get checked if nothing hurts?
Early cancer often does not hurt. That is exactly when it is easier to treat.
If my mother had cancer, do I need to start earlier?
Often yes. Tell your doctor, who will make a plan for you.