Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening

Recommendations

Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations in asymptomatic women

1. Women in their 20's may wish to start performing breast self-examination every month and should report any change to a doctor immediately.
2. Women 20-39 should have a breast examination every 3 years, performed by a health care professional such as a physician, physician assistant, nurse or nurse practitioner.
3. Women 40 and older should have a breast examination every year, performed by a health care professional such as a physician, physician assistant, nurse or nurse practitioner.
4. Women 40 years of age and older should have a mammogram every year.

Cervical Cancer Screening Recommendations in asymptomatic women

• Women should begin Pap tests and pelvic examinations within 3 years of becoming sexually active, but no later than age 21. Liquid-based Pap tests may be done every 2 years after 3 consecutive normal results have been obtained within a 5 year period.
• If a woman over age 40 has had 3 satisfactory negative Pap tests in a row, this test may be done less often at the judgment of a woman's health care provider. Women with high risk factors should continue to be screened annually.