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Cancer

Interventions & Resources
Man and Bald Woman Smiling

Find evidence-based information and recommendations related to cancer.

Clinical Recommendations
Community Interventions
Consumer Information

Clinical Recommendations

The following clinical recommendations come from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) External Web Site Policy.

Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Skin Cancer

The U. S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends counseling children, adolescents, and young adults aged 10 to 24 years who have fair skin about minimizing their exposure to ultraviolet radiation to reduce risk for skin cancer. Learn more External Web Site Policy

Genetic Risk Assessment and BRCA Mutation Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women whose family history is associated with an increased risk for deleterious mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes be referred for genetic counseling and evaluation for BRCA testing. Learn more External Web Site Policy

Screening for Breast Cancer

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years. Learn more External Web Site Policy

Screening for Cervical Cancer

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for cervical cancer in women ages 21 to 65 years with cytology (Pap smear) every 3 years or, for women ages 30 to 65 years who want to lengthen the screening interval, screening with a combination of cytology and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing every 5 years. Learn more External Web Site Policy

Screening for Colorectal Cancer

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) using fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy, in adults, beginning at age 50 years and continuing until age 75 years. The risks and benefits of these screening methods vary. Learn more External Web Site Policy

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Community Interventions

The following evidence-based community interventions come from the Guide to Community Preventive Services External Web Site Policy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cancer Prevention & Control, Client-oriented Screening Interventions: Client Reminders

Reminders include letters, postcards, or phone calls to alert clients that it is time for their cancer screening. Learn more External Web Site Policy

Cancer Prevention & Control, Client-oriented Screening Interventions: One-on-One Education

One-on-one education is provided in person or by telephone to encourage individuals to be screened for cancer. Learn more External Web Site Policy

Cancer Prevention and Control, Client-Oriented Screening Interventions: Client Reminders

Small media such as videos, letters, brochures, and newsletters can be used to inform and motivate people to be screened for cancer; they can be tailored to specific persons or targeted to general audiences. Learn more External Web Site Policy

Cancer Prevention and Control, Client-Oriented Screening Interventions: Reducing Out-of-Pocket Costs

Reducing out-of-pocket costs to increase cancer screening may include providing vouchers, reimbursing clients, or reducing health insurance costs associated with screening tests. Learn more External Web Site Policy

Cancer Prevention and Control, Client-Oriented Screening Interventions: Reducing Structural Barriers

Reducing structural barriers to increase screening may include increasing hours of operation, providing child care, or addressing language or cultural factors. Learn more External Web Site Policy

Cancer Prevention and Control, Client-Oriented Screening Interventions: Small Media

Small media such as videos, letters, brochures, and newsletters can be used to inform and motivate people to be screened for cancer; they can be tailored to specific persons or targeted to general audiences. Learn more External Web Site Policy

Cancer Prevention and Control, Provider-Oriented Screening Interventions: Provider Assessment and Feedback

These interventions assess how often providers offer or deliver screening services to clients (assessment) and then give providers information about their performance (feedback). Learn more External Web Site Policy

Cancer Prevention and Control, Provider-Oriented Screening Interventions: Provider Reminder and Recall Systems

Reminders inform health care providers it is time for a client’s cancer screening test (called a “reminder”) or that the client is overdue for screening (called a “recall”). Learn more External Web Site Policy

Health Communication & Social Marketing: Health Communication Campaigns That Include Mass Media & Health-Related Product Distribution

Health communication campaigns can increase the use of health-related products when they use mass media messaging and distribute the products at free or reduced prices. Learn more External Web Site Policy

Preventing Skin Cancer: Education and Policy Approaches in Outdoor Recreation Settings

Interventions in recreational or tourism settings are designed to increase sun-protective knowledge, attitudes, and intentions, and affect behaviors among adults and children. Learn more External Web Site Policy

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Consumer Information

The following consumer resources are from the Quick Guide to Healthy Living at healthfinder.gov.

Prostate Cancer Screening: Questions for the doctor

Use these questions to talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening.

Mammograms: Questions for the doctor

A mammogram (an X-ray of the breast) can help your doctor find breast cancer early. Use these questions to start a conversation with your doctor about when and how often to get a mammogram.

Get Tested for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care.

Get Tested for Colorectal Cancer

Get tested regularly for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. All it takes is a special exam (called a screening).

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin from the sun.

Men: Take Charge of Your Health

You can lower your risk of serious health problems by making small changes. Start by asking a doctor which screening tests you need this year.

Get Tested for Breast Cancer

A mammogram can help your doctor find breast cancer early. It's easier to treat breast cancer when it’s found early.

Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Questions for the doctor

Genetic testing can help you understand your risk for cancer. Use these questions to start a conversation with your doctor about whether genetic testing is right for you.

Talk with a Doctor if Breast or Ovarian Cancer Runs in Your Family

If family members have had breast or ovarian cancer, ask a doctor about your risk.

HPV Vaccine: Questions for your child's doctor

The HPV vaccine helps protect against HPV (human papillomavirus), which is a cause of cervical cancer in women and genital warts and anal cancer in men and women. Use these questions to talk with the doctor about getting the HPV vaccine for your child.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Conversation starters

Use these tips to tell a friend or family member how important it is to get screened for colorectal cancer.

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