test. The specificity and sensitivity of transrectal ultrasound are higher than for a digital rectal examination, the
current screening recommendation. The combination of digital rectal examination, PSA and transrectal
ultrasound may work best to detect prostate cancer. In 1993, the American Cancer Society revised its national
recommendations to include a PSA every year for men aged 50 and older, and transrectal ultrasound if digital
rectal examination and PSA are abnormal.
• Women may benefit from advances in vaginal ultrasound technology. The Pap test, though extremely useful
for discovering cervical cancer in its early stages, is marginally effective for the early detection of endometrial
cancer and not effective for ovarian cancer. Studies are under way to evaluate vaginal ultrasound plus a
common blood test, CA-125, for the early detection of ovarian cancer.
Preventive screenings are particularly important if you come from a family with a history of cancer or if you have ever had cancer yourself. If you have had one cancer you are more likely to get another one, so you should have periodic checkups and evaluations as advised by your physician.
The American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute , as well as other professional groups such as the American College of Physicians, American College of Surgeons and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have proposed various recommendations for cancer screening that, although not exactly the same, are very similar.
People without a history of cancer and with no symptoms should follow these established guidelines for the early detection of cancer.
