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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Cancer screening in the older patient
Ross H Albert1, Mathew M Clark
1Family Medicine Residency Program, Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, Pennsylvania, USA. ralbert@amh.org
American Family Physician
|January 6, 2009
Summary
Deciding when to stop cancer screening involves patient age, health, and risks versus benefits. Guidelines suggest stopping Papanicolaou smears at 65, breast cancer screening around 75-80, and colon or prostate cancer screening in older adults with few comorbidities.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Established guidelines exist for initiating cancer screening.
- Limited guidance is available for determining when to discontinue cancer screening.
- Stopping screening decisions require balancing patient factors with disease characteristics and test-related risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence and guidelines regarding the cessation of cancer screening.
- To inform clinical decision-making on appropriate ages and conditions for discontinuing screening for common cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review of recommendations from organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding the natural history of various cancers and the efficacy of screening cessation.
- Consideration of patient-specific factors including age, comorbidities, life expectancy, and personal preferences.
Main Results:
- Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening can cease at age 65 for women with adequate prior normal results.
- Breast cancer screening cessation is suggested between 75-80 years, with some guidelines recommending later cessation.
- Colon cancer screening may continue until 75 (men) or 80 (women) without significant comorbidities; prostate cancer screening may stop around 75 in healthy men.
Conclusions:
- Individualized decisions are crucial for discontinuing cancer screening.
- Patient age, overall health, life expectancy, and screening history are key factors.
- Shared decision-making, incorporating evidence-based guidelines and patient preferences, is essential.
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