Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram)

Beginning at age 40, people with breast tissue with a normal (average) chance of cancer should begin yearly mammograms. If you and your provider decide that you have a higher than normal chance of cancer, ask your provider about tests that may find cancer earlier.

Colorectal Cancer Screening (Colonoscopy)

Starting at age 45, have one of these tests that may find cancer cells or cells that may turn into cancer:

• Colonoscopy every 10 years: This is the best choice since it can prevent cancer by finding and removing small areas that may turn into cancer
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years and FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test)/FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) years after Sigmoidoscopy OR

One of the following tests may help prevent cancer growths

• FOBT or FIT every year
• Stool DNA test every 3 years

If your provider tells you that you have a higher-than-normal chance of cancer, ask your provider about tests that may find cancer earlier.

Lung Cancer Screening (Low Dose CT scan)

Low Dose CT scan every year for adults who:

• Are 50-80 years old (50-77 if you have Medicare) AND
• Currently smoke cigarettes OR quit within the past 15 years

Discuss with your provider the reasons and risks of lung cancer testing as well as opportunities for quitting commercial tobacco use for good.

Bone Density Screening

• For people with a prostate, beginning at age 50, talk about prostate cancer testing with your provider.
• For African Americans or for those who have a father or brother with prostate cancer, begin conversations at age 45.

Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Test)

• For people with a cervix: age 21-30
• Pap every year: age 30-65
• Pap every 3 years OR pap with HPV co-testing every 5 years

Learn more about Vermont’s You First program which covers the cost of breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic follow up. 

Prostate Cancer

• For people with a prostate, beginning at age 50, talk about prostate cancer testing with your provider.
• For African Americans or for those who have a father or brother with prostate cancer, begin conversations at age 45.

Skin Cancer

• Have your provider look at your skin as part of your normal physical.
• Regularly check your skin for any changes, such as moles that change shape, color or size.
• If changes are noticed, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider and ask to be seen.

HPV Vaccine

• Get the two-dose HPV vaccine for children of both sexes at ages 11-12 years old
• For those ages 13-26 who did not receive the vaccines when they were younger, vaccines can prevent cervical, anal, mouth and other cancers caused by the Human Papillomavirus. Talk with your child’s provider. Learn more »