Although it is well known that a healthy diet and exercise can help to prevent the development of cancer, it is not a guarantee that cancer will not emerge, even an otherwise healthy individual. As we age the risk of developing certain types of cancers increases, and it is important to catch cancer as early as possible. It has been shown by research that early detection of many types of cancers saves lives.
The American Cancer Society recommends screening tests for the following types of cancer in men over 65 years of age:
- Colon Cancer (The National Cancer Institute recommends this test for those between age 50-75)
- Prostate Cancer
- Lung Cancer, which is especially important to screen for if you have ever smoked. (Among heavy smokers between the ages of 55 and 74 the test reduces death among heavy smokers.)
For women over 65 the ACS recommends:
- Breast Cancer (mammogram at least every two years. The NCI recommends women have this test between ages 40 and 74, and especially over 50.)
- Cervical Cancer (The NCI recommends this test for all women between 21 and 65, as long as the recent results were normal.)
- Colon Cancer
- Lung Cancer, also extremely important to those who have a history of smoking.