Cancer

Colorectal Cancer : The USPSTF recommends against the routine use of aspirin and
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent colorectal cancer in individuals at
average risk for colorectal cancer.
Bladder Cancer : The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the
balance of benefits and harms of screening for bladder cancer in asymptomatic adults.
Ovarian Cancer : The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against
routine referral for genetic counseling or routine breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA) testing
for women whose family history is not associated with an increased risk for deleterious
mutations in breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) or breast cancer susceptibility gene 2
(BRCA2).
The 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.
Breast Cancer : the USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged
50 to 74 years.
The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should
be an individual one and take patient context into account, including the patient's values
regarding specific benefits and harms.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits
and harms of screening mammography in women 75 years or older. .
The USPSTF recommends against teaching breast self-examination (BSE).
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits
and harms of clinical breast examination (CBE) beyond screening mammography in women 40
years or older.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits
and harms of either digital mammography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instead of film
mammography as screening modalities for breast cancer.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against routine use of
tamoxifen or raloxifene for the primary prevention of breast cancer in women at low or
average risk for breast cancer. (Go to Clinical Considerations for a discussion of risk.)
The USPSTF recommends that clinicians discuss chemoprevention with women at high risk
for breast cancer and at low risk for adverse effects of chemoprevention. Clinicians should
inform patients of the potential benefits and harms of chemoprevention.

Cervical Cancer : The 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. See the Clinical
Considerations for discussion of cytology method, HPV testing, and screening interval.
The USPSTF recommends against screening for cervical cancer in women younger than
age 21 years..

The USPSTF recommends against screening for cervical cancer in women older than age
65 years who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk for
cervical cancer. See the Clinical Considerations for discussion of adequacy of prior
screening and risk factors.
The USPSTF recommends against screening for cervical cancer in women who have had
a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix and who do not have a history of a high-grade
precancerous lesion (i.e., cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] grade 2 or 3) or cervical
cancer. .
The USPSTF recommends against screening for cervical cancer with HPV testing, alone
or in combination with cytology, in women younger than age 30 years.

Colorectal Cancer :

The 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. .
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for colorectal
cancer in adults age 76 to 85 years. There may be considerations that
support colorectal cancer screening in an individual patient. .
The USPSTF recommends against screening for colorectal cancer in
adults older than age 85 years. .
The USPSTF concludes that the evidence is insufficient to assess the
benefits and harms of computed tomographic colonography and fecal
DNA testing as screening modalities for colorectal cancer.

Lung Cancer :
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the
evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against screening asymptomatic
persons for lung cancer with either low dose computerized tomography
(LDCT), chest x-ray (CXR), sputum cytology, or a combination of these tests.
Oral Cancer
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the
evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routinely screening
adults for oral cancer.
Ovarian Cancer
The USPSTF recommends against screening for ovarian cancer in women.
Pancreatic Cancer
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against
routine screening for pancreatic cancer in asymptomatic adults using
abdominal palpation, ultrasonography, or serologic markers.

Prostate Cancer
he USPSTF recommends against PSA-based screening for prostate cancer.
Skin Cancer
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the
balance of benefits and harms of using a whole-body skin examination by a
primary care clinician or patient skin self-examination for the early detection
of cutaneous melanoma, basal cell cancer, or squamous cell skin cancer in
the adult general population.

The 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..
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to
assess the balance of benefits and harms of counseling adults older
than age 24 years about minimizing risks to prevent skin cancer.

Testicular Cancer
(USPSTF) recommends against screening for testicular cancer in
adolescent or adult males.
Prevent Tobacco Use and Tobacco-Caused Disease in Adults and
Pregnant Women

The USPSTF recommends that clinicians ask all adults about tobacco
use and provide tobacco cessation interventions for those who use
tobacco products. .
The USPSTF recommends that clinicians ask all pregnant women about
tobacco use and provide augmented, pregnancy-tailored counseling for
those who smoke.

Routine Vitamin Supplementation to Prevent Cancer and

Cardiovascular Disease

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the
evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against the use of
supplements of vitamins A, C, or E; multivitamins with folic acid; or
antioxidant combinations for the prevention of cancer or
cardiovascular disease..
The USPSTF recommends against the use of beta-carotene
supplements, either alone or in combination, for the prevention of
cancer or cardiovascular disease.

Heart and Vascular Diseases

Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The USPSTF recommends one-time screening for abdominal aortic

aneurysm (AAA) by ultrasonography in men aged 65 to 75 who have
ever smoked. .
The USPSTF makes no recommendation for or against screening for
AAA in men aged 65 to 75 who have never smoked. .
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for AAA in
women. .

Coronary Heart Disease Risk Assessment

(USPSTF) concludes that the evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of
benefits and harms of using the nontraditional risk factors discussed in this
statement to screen asymptomatic men and women with no history of CHD
to prevent CHD events (select "Clinical Considerations" for suggestions for
practice when evidence is insufficient). .
The nontraditional risk factors included in this recommendation are highsensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), ankle-brachial index (ABI), leukocyte
count, fasting blood glucose level, periodontal disease, carotid intima-media
thickness (carotid IMT), coronary artery calcification (CAC) score on electronbeam computed tomography (EBCT), homocysteine level, and lipoprotein(a)
level.
Aspirin for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

The USPSTF recommends the use of aspirin for men age 45 to 79 years
when the potential benefit due to a reduction in myocardial infarctions
outweighs the potential harm due to an increase in gastrointestinal
hemorrhage..
The USPSTF recommends the use of aspirin for women age 55 to 79
years when the potential benefit of a reduction in ischemic strokes
outweighs the potential harm of an increase in gastrointestinal
hemorrhage..
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to
assess the balance of benefits and harms of aspirin for cardiovascular
disease prevention in men and women 80 years or older..
The USPSTF recommends against the use of aspirin for stroke
prevention in women younger than 55 years and for myocardial
infarction prevention in men younger than 45 years. .

Screening for High Blood Pressure in Adults

USPSTF) recommends screening for high blood pressure in adults aged 18
and older

Screening for Carotid Artery Stenosis

The USPSTF recommends against screening for asymptomatic carotid
artery stenosis in the general adult population.
Screening for Coronary Heart Disease With Electrocardiography

he USPSTF recommends against screening with resting or exercise

electrocardiography (ECG) for the prediction of coronary heart disease
(CHD) events in asymptomatic adults at low risk for CHD events.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to
assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening with resting or
exercise ECG for the prediction of CHD events in asymptomatic adults
at intermediate or high risk for CHD events.
Screening for Lipid Disorders in Adults
Screening Men
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) strongly
recommends screening men aged 35 and older for lipid disorders. .
The USPSTF recommends screening men aged 20 to 35 for lipid
disorders if they are at increased risk for coronary heart disease. .
Screening Women at Increased Risk
The USPSTF strongly recommends screening women aged 45 and older
for lipid disorders if they are at increased risk for coronary heart
disease. .
The USPSTF recommends screening women aged 20 to 45 for lipid
disorders if they are at increased risk for coronary heart disease. .
Screening Young Men and All Women Not at Increased Risk
The USPSTF makes no recommendation for or against routine
screening for lipid disorders in men aged 20 to 35, or in women aged
20 and older who are not at increased risk for coronary heart disease..
Screening for Peripheral Arterial Disease
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for peripheral arterial
disease (PAD
Infectious Diseases
Screening for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Adults

The USPSTF recommends screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria with

urine culture for pregnant women at 12 to 16 weeks' gestation or at
the first prenatal visit, if later.
Grade: A Recommendation.
The USPSTF recommends against screening for asymptomatic
bacteriuria in men and nonpregnant women.

Screening for Chlamydial Infection

(USPSTF) recommends screening for chlamydial infection for all

sexually active non-pregnant young women aged 24 and younger and
for older non-pregnant women who are at increased risk. .
The USPSTF recommends screening for chlamydial infection for all
pregnant women aged 24 and younger and for older pregnant women
who are at increased risk. .
The USPSTF recommends against routinely providing screening for
chlamydial infection for women aged 25 and older, whether or not they
are pregnant, if they are not at increased risk. .
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to
assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for chlamydial
infection for men.

Screening for Gonorrhea

(USPSTF) recommends that clinicians screen all sexually active women,

including those who are pregnant, for gonorrhea infection if they are at
increased risk for infection (that is, if they are young or have other
individual or population risk factors); go to Clinical Considerations for
further discussion of risk factors). .
The USPSTF found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against
routine screening for gonorrhea infection in men at increased risk for
infection. (go to Clinical Considerations for discussion of risk factors). .
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for gonorrhea
infection in men and women who are at low risk for infection (see
Clinical Considerations for discussion of risk factors). (go to Clinical
Considerations for discussion of risk factors). .
The USPSTF found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against
routine screening for gonorrhea infection in pregnant women who are
not at increased risk for infection. (go to Clinical Considerations for
discussion of risk factors).

Screening for Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Nonpregnant

Adolescents and Adults
The USPSTF recommends against routinely screening the general
asymptomatic population for chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
Screening for Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Pregnancy
The USPSTF recommends screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in
pregnant women at their first prenatal visit.

Screening for Hepatitis C in Adults

The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for hepatitis C

virus (HCV) infection in asymptomatic adults who are not at increased
risk (general population) for infection..
The USPSTF found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against
routine screening for HCV infection in adults at high risk for infection.

Screening for Genital Herpes

(USPSTF) recommends against routine serological screening for herpes

simplex virus (HSV) in asymptomatic pregnant women at any time
during pregnancy to prevent neonatal HSV infection. .
The USPSTF recommends against routine serological screening for HSV
in asymptomatic adolescents and adults.

Screening for HIV

The USPSTF strongly recommends that clinicians screen for human

immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in all adolescents and adults at increased
risk for HIV infection (go toClinical Considerations for discussion of risk
factors)..
The USPSTF makes no recommendation for or against routinely
screening for HIV in adolescents and adults who are not at increased
risk for HIV infection (go to Clinical Considerations for discussion of risk
factors)..
The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen all pregnant women for
HIV.

The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen all pregnant women for HIV
Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections

The USPSTF recommends high-intensity behavioral counseling to

prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for all sexually active
adolescents and for adults at increased risk for STIs..
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to
assess the balance of benefits and harms of behavioral counseling to
prevent STIs in non-sexually-active adolescents and in adults not at
increased risk for STIs.

Screening for Syphilis Infection

(USPSTF) strongly recommends that clinicians screen persons at

increased risk for syphilis infection. .
The USPSTF strongly recommends that clinicians screen all pregnant
women for syphilis infection. .

The USPSTF recommends against routine screening of asymptomatic

persons who are not at increased risk for syphilis infection.
Screening for Syphilis Infection in Pregnancy
The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen all pregnant women for
syphilis infection.

Injury and Violence

Prevention of Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

The USPSTF recommends exercise or physical therapy and vitamin D

supplementation to prevent falls in community-dwelling adults aged 65
years or older who are at increased risk for falls.

The USPSTF does not recommend automatically performing an indepth multifactorial risk assessment in conjunction with
comprehensive management of identified risks to prevent falls in
community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older because the
likelihood of benefit is small. In determining whether this service is
appropriate in individual cases, patients and clinicians should consider
the balance of benefits and harms on the basis of the circumstances of
prior falls, comorbid medical conditions, and patient values..

Screening for Family and Intimate Partner Violence

The USPSTF found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against
routine screening of parents or guardians for the physical abuse or
neglect of children, of women for intimate partner violence, or of older
adults or their caregivers for elder abuse.

The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen women of childbearing

age for intimate partner violence, such as domestic violence, and
provide or refer women who screen positive to intervention services.

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to

assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening all elderly or
vulnerable adults (physically or mentally dysfunctional) for abuse and
neglect.
Counseling about Proper Use of Motor Vehicle Occupant Restraints
and Avoidance of Alcohol Use to Prevent Injury
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the
incremental benefit, beyond the efficacy of legislation and community-based
interventions, of counseling in the primary care setting, in improving rates of
proper use of motor vehicle occupant restraints (child safety seats, booster

seats, and lap-and-shoulder belts). (Go to Clinical Considerations for

definitions of proper use.).
Mental Health Conditions and Substance Abuse
Screening and Behavioral Counseling Interventions in Primary Care
to Reduce Alcohol Misuse

USPSTF) recommends screening and behavioral counseling

interventions to reduce alcohol misuse (go to Clinical Considerations)
by adults, including pregnant women, in primary care settings. .
The USPSTF concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend
for or against screening and behavioral counseling interventions to
prevent or reduce alcohol misuse by adolescents in primary care
settings.

Screening for Dementia

(USPSTF) concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or
against routine screening for dementia in older adults.
Screening for Depression in Adults

The USPSTF recommends screening adults for depression when staffassisted depression care supports are in place to assure accurate
diagnosis, effective treatment, and follow-up..
The USPTF recommends against routinely screening adults for
depression when staff-assisted depression care supports are not in
place. There may be considerations that support screening for
depression in an individual patient.

Screening for Illicit Drug Use

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess
the balance of benefits and harms of screening adolescents, adults, and
pregnant women for illicit drug use.
Metabolic, Nutritional, and Endocrine Conditions
Screening for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Adults

The USPSTF recommends screening for type 2 diabetes in

asymptomatic adults with sustained blood pressure (either treated or
untreated) greater than 135/80 mm Hg..
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to
assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for type 2

diabetes in asymptomatic adults with blood pressure of 135/80 mm Hg

or lower.
Screening for Hemochromatosis
(USPSTF) recommends against routine genetic screening for hereditary
hemochromatosis in the asymptomatic general population.
Screening for Iron Deficiency Anemia

(USPSTF) concludes that evidence is insufficient to recommend for or

against routine screening for iron deficiency anemia in asymptomatic
children aged 6 to 12 months. .
The USPSTF recommends routine screening for iron deficiency anemia
in asymptomatic pregnant women.

the USPSTF recommends routine screening for iron deficiency anemia in

asymptomatic pregnant women
Menopausal Hormone Therapy for the Primary Prevention of Chronic
Conditions

The USPSTF recommends against the use of combined estrogen and

progestin for the prevention of chronic conditions in
postmenopausal women. .
The USPSTF recommends against the use of estrogen for the
prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women who have
had a hysterectomy. .

Behavioral Counseling in Primary Care to Promote a Healthy Diet in

Adults at Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
The USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral dietary counseling for adult
patients with hyperlipidemia and other known risk factors for
cardiovascular and diet-related chronic disease. Intensive counseling can
be delivered by primary care clinicians or by referral to other
specialists, such as nutritionists or dietitians
Screening for and Management of Obesity in Adults
The USPSTF recommends screening all adults for obesity. Clinicians should
offer or refer patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher
to intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions.
Screening for Thyroid Disease
The USPSTF concludes the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or
against routine screening for thyroid disease in adults.

Musculoskeletal Disorders
Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Low Back Pain in Adults
USPSTF) concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or
against the routine use of interventions to prevent low back pain in adults
in primary care settings.
Screening for Osteoporosis

The USPSTF recommends screening for osteoporosis in women aged

65 years or older and in younger women whose fracture risk is equal to
or greater than that of a 65-year-old white woman who has no
additional risk factors.
Grade: B Recommendation.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to
assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for osteoporosis
in men.

Obstetric and Gynecologic Conditions

Screening for Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy to Prevent Preterm

Delivery

The USPSTF recommends against screening for bacterial vaginosis in

asymptomatic pregnant women at low risk for preterm delivery. .
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to
assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for bacterial
vaginosis in asymptomatic pregnant women at high risk for preterm
delivery.

Primary Care Interventions to Promote Breastfeeding

The USPSTF recommends interventions during pregnancy and after birth
to promote and support breastfeeding.
Folic Acid to Prevent Neural Tube Defects
The USPSTF recommends that all women planning or capable of
pregnancy take a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 to 800
g) of folic acid.
Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
USPSTF) concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or
against routine screening for gestational diabetes.

Screening for Rh (D) Incompatibility

(USPSTF) strongly recommends Rh (D) blood typing and antibody

testing for all pregnant women during their first visit for pregnancyrelated care. .
The USPSTF recommends repeated Rh (D) antibody testing for all
unsensitized Rh (D)-negative women at 24-28 weeks' gestation, unless
the biological father is known to be Rh (D)-negative.

Vision and Hearing Disorders

Screening for Glaucoma
The USPSTF found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against
screening adults for glaucoma.
Screening for Hearing Loss in Older Adults
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to
assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for hearing
loss in asymptomatic adults aged 50 years or older. Screening for
Impaired Visual Acuity in Older Adults
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess
the balance of benefits and harms of screening for visual acuity for the
improvement of outcomes in older adults.
Screening for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Using
Spirometry
The USPSTF recommends against screening adults for chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) using spirometry.
Screening for Chronic Kidney Disease
The USPSTF concludes that the evidence is insufficient to assess the
balance of benefits and harms of routine screening for chronic kidney
disease in asymptomatic adults.