General Cancer Screening

A general cancer checkup includes examination of the skin, rectum, pelvic organs and thyroid.

Why it is Recommended

COLON CANCER / POLYPS
The USPSTF strongly recommends that clinicians screen men and women aged 50 years or older for colorectal cancer.  There is good evidence that periodic fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) reduces mortality from colorectal cancer and fair evidence that sigmoidoscopy alone or in combination with FOBT reduces mortality.  FOBT should be performed for all individuals without risk factors starting at age 50, and at age 40 for those who are at risk.

A sigmoidoscopy should be performed every three to five years at age 50.  More frequent screenings are appropriate if you have a family history of polyps or colon cancer.