Often times we wonder if we're on top of our health. Are we getting the appropriate screenings we need? Are we really eating as healthy as we think? One way to take an honest look and assess your health is to visit

http://www.cancer.org/greatamericans and take the Great American Health Check.

This is a five-minute questionnaire that ends by giving you a personalized action plan that you can print out, take in and discuss with your physician. The action plan is based on your answers. It is completely confidential, so it is important to be honest; after all, this is your health we're talking about.

Sometimes genetics plays a big part in your risk factors. So it is vital to know your family history of cancer including parents, grandparents and siblings.

Below is a list of screening guidelines recommended by the American Cancer Society. Remember that early detection can be key in the fight against cancer.

n For breast cancer: Starting at age 20, women should pay attention to your breasts and note any changes or lumps. A breast self-exam is a great way to start so you can know your body and what is normal for you. Notify your doctor right away of any changes. It is recommended you do a self-exam every year and then, every three years, have a doctor or nurse examine you during a regular checkup. Starting at age 40, women should have their breasts examined yearly by a doctor or nurse, and have a mammogram as well.

n For cervical cancer: Starting about three years after you start having sex, but no later than age 21, it is recommended to have a regular PAP test yearly or to have the newer, liquid PAP test every two years. Starting at age 30, if you've had three normal PAP tests in a row, you should continue to have the PAP test or liquid PAP test every two to three years. If you haven't had three consecutive normal PAP tests, then continue with them yearly.

n For prostate cancer: For blacks or men with a close family member being diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65, you should get a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test done every year, as well as a rectal exam to check the prostate gland starting at age 45. For all other men, your doctor should offer you at age 50 a blood test to check your PSA and a rectal exam to check the gland itself.

n For colon cancer: Both men and women should have one of these tests starting at age 50: Every year, test to check for blood in your stool; every five years, either a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a barium enema; every 10 years, a colonoscopy. Your physician can determine the type of test that is best for you based on your personal and family history.

Whenever you have a regular checkup, the doctor or nurse should check your thyroid gland, skin, mouth, lymph nodes, ovaries for women and testicles for men.

If you have any questions on what tests you need, don't hesitate to talk to your physician or nurse, or call (800) ACS-2345. You can also visit us online for more information at

http://www.cancer.org