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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) .
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.
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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.
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Screening for Breast Cancer
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years.
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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.
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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.
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Community Interventions
The following evidence-based community interventions come from the Guide to Community Preventive Services , 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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”).
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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.
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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.
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Consumer Information
The following consumer resources are from the Quick Guide to Healthy Living at healthfinder.gov .
Use these questions to talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening.
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.
Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap tests) and follow-up care.
Get tested regularly for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. All it takes is a special exam (called a screening).
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.
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.
A mammogram can help your doctor find breast cancer early. It's easier to treat breast cancer when it’s found early.
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.
If family members have had breast or ovarian cancer, ask a doctor about your risk.
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.
Use these tips to tell a friend or family member how important it is to get screened for colorectal cancer.
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