Early Detection
Woman’s Regular Health Screenings
Early detection and total health & wellness are crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Here are some suggested health screenings as provided by Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation. Please note that your doctor mat recommend changes to the standard schedule based on your personal and family history. Please consult your medical professional if you have any questions about regular health screenings or your personal results.
Age 18-44: if you are overweight or have other risk factors. (1)
Age 45 and older: if you are overweight (1)
Every 1-2 years or as directed by your doctor; more frequently if your blood pressure is over 140/90.
Under 65: for postmenopausal women with risk factors – baseline test, then as needed 65 and older: baseline test, then as needed
Age 40 and older: mammogram and clinical breast exam (CBE) annually (3) 20’s and 30’s: CBE about every 3 years
Starting in 20’s: choose whether or how often to do breast self-exam (BSE) (4)
Every 5 years or as directed by doctor
50 and older: one of these 7 schedules –
Tests that find polyps and cancer (preferred by the ACS)
flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years (5) or
double contrast barium enima every 5 years (5) or
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years (5) or
colonoscopy every 10 years
Tests that mainly find cancer
fecal occult blood test every year (5) or
fecal immunochemical test every year (5) or
stool DNA test (talk with your doctor about frequency) (5)
Every 6 months
Endometrial Screening (2)
Age 35: Women should discuss risk factors with doctor and see if screenings are advised Starting at menopause: report unexpected bleeding or spotting to doctor
Age 20-29: at least once; age 30-39: at least twice
Age 40: baseline eye disease screening
Age 40-64: as directed by doctor; age 65 and older: every 1-2 years
Test is hearing problem or loss is suspected, or as directed by doctor
Start about 3 years after beginning to have vaginal intercourse, but no later than age 21: every 1-2 years based on Pap test used (6)
Annually starting at age 18, earlier if sexually active before 18
Routine Physical (including cancer related check ups)
Annually or as directed by doctor
35 and older: every 5 years or as directed by doctor
1. If test results are normal, retest every 3 years. If test results indicate pre-diabetes, retest every 1-2 years.
2. Based on American Cancer Society (ACS) recommendations.
3. If you think you are at a higher risk for breast cancer, talk with your doctor about your history and what options are right for you.
4. Many experts recommend doing a monthly BSE. Consult your doctor.
5. If test results are positive, colonoscopy should also be done.
6. Beginning at age 30, women with 3 normal Pap tests in a row may get screened every 2-3 years at their doctor’s discretion. Another option is to have a Pap test every 3 years plus the HPV test. Women 70 and older with 3 normal Pap tests in a row in the last 10 years may choose to stop screening.
