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• Beginning at age 50, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and the digital rectal exam (DRE) should be offered every year to men who do not have major health problems that might shorten their lives by 10 years.
• Men at high risk (African American men and men who have a first-degree relative who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at a young age) should begin testing at age 45.
• Men should be given information about the benefits and limitations of tests so they can make an informed decision.

Men and Women - Colon and Rectum

Men and women who are at average risk and who are age 50 or older should follow one of the five examination schedules below:

• Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
• Yearly FOBT every year and flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years (preferred by the American Cancer Society over either option alone)
• Double contrast barium enema every five years
• Colonoscopy every 10 years

People with a personal history of polyps, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colon cancer or polyps are at higher risk for colon cancer.  They may need to start being tested before age 50 and have tests done more often.

Women - Uterus

Cervix

• All women who are or have been sexually active or who are 18 or older should have a yearly Pap test and pelvic examination.  After three or more yearly satisfactory Pap tests in a row, the Pap test may be performed less often at the judgement of your health care professional.

Endometrium

• Beginning at age 35, women with or at high risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer should be offered endometrial biopsy every year.