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Time Well Spent
Source: American Cancer Society, September 2002

Between work, family, and personal commitments, most women barely have time to grab their car keys in the morning - much less fit another appointment into an already packed schedule. But one meeting has an undeniable payoff: making time for a health checkup now could add years to your life.

Regular checkups can detect cancer early or even prevent it altogether. For example, the number of cervical cancer deaths in the US dropped by 74 percent between 1955 and 1992 - largely because women began getting regular Pap tests. To reap these health benefits, however, it’s important to keep seeing your doctor regularly at any age - contrary to what many women believe.

"Young women think they have a high risk for cancer, and many believe this risk drops as they grow older," says Debbie Saslow, PhD, cancer control director for the American Cancer Society. "In fact, for most women’s cancers, it’s the opposite."

Getting Tested: A Woman’s Checklist
Here’s what you should ask your doctor about, depending on your age.

• Breast cancer - Women 40 or older should have an annual mammogram, and all women 20 and older should have regular clinical breast exams and do monthly breast self-exams.*
• Cervical cancer - Women who are or have been sexually active or who are 18 or older should have an annual Pap test and pelvic exam. After three consecutive normal results, women may get tested less frequently (but at least every three years).*
• Uterine/Endometrial cancer - Beginning at 35, women who have hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (or are at high risk for it) should ask about an annual endometrial biopsy.
• Ovarian cancer - Regular, thorough pelvic and rectal exams are important to detecting ovarian cancer as early as possible.
• Colon cancer - All women 50 or older need to follow one of these five testing schedules:
  • Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
  • Yearly FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years (preferred over either option alone)
  • Double contrast barium enema every five years
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years

Doing Your Homework
"These days, appointments can go by quickly, and we can’t assume our doctors will think of everything," Saslow advises. "So know your own health history and your family history, and come prepared to ask your health care team about common tests."

Experts recommend keeping a written list of questions and any suspected symptoms to mention during your visit. If there are questions you’re uncomfortable asking aloud, just hand your list to your doctor.

No one knows your body better than you do. So become a partner with your health care professional and take control of your health. You’ll be glad you did.

*These guidelines are currently under review and are being evaluated against the most current scientific evidence. Watch for updates to testing recommendations in early 2003, or contact the Society for the most up-to-date guidelines: 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.