- Be aware of family and genetic factors;
- Monthly breast self-exam and yearly checkups;
- A baseline (initial) mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40; mammograms every two years from 40 to 50 (or more frequently if you have a family history of cancer) and each year from 50 onward;
- Annual pelvic exams and pap smears, especially for persons using hormone replacement therapies;
- Safe sex;
- No tobacco use; (half of all smokers die prematurely from diseases related to smoking; also, pay attention to passive smoking, especially in children);
- Home testing of radon levels (with an EPA-approved kit);
- Modest alcohol consumption;
- Balanced diet with five or more servings (1/2 cup each) of fruit and vegetables daily, high-fiber foods, and limited fat intake;
- Regular skin self-exam and medical attention for spots, bumps, or sores that don't go away within 2-3 weeks;
- Colorectal testing on the advice of your physician, especially if you are over 50 and have chronic bowel problems. These tests may include: fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and barium enema.
- be aware of family and genetic factors
- observing changes in bowel and bladder habits;
- annual PSA test and digital rectal exam (see your urologist) each year after the age of 50 (or, if there is a family history of prostate cancer, after the age of 40);
- safe sex;
- no tobacco use; (half of all smokers die prematurely from diseases related to smoking; also, pay attention to passive smoking, especially in children);
- home testing of radon levels (with an EPA-approved kit);
- modest alcohol consumption;
- balanced diet with five or more servings (1/2 cup each) of fruit and vegetables daily, high-fiber foods, and limited fat intake;
- regular skin self-exam and medical attention for spots, bumps, or sores that don't go away within 2-3 weeks;
- colorectal testing on the advice of your physician, especially if you are over 50 and have chronic bowel problems. These tests may include: fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and barium enema.
NOTE: With certain cancers, the risk of developing a malignancy rises steeply after the age of 50. Therefore, our older population should follow these prevention and detection guidelines as conscientiously as possible.
The Northern Rockies Radiation Oncology Center is not engaged in rendering medical advice. For guidance regarding a specific condition, please consult your physician. 
