Common cancer screenings

Screening tests can help detect cancer in its early, most treatable stages, before you have signs and symptoms. They can even save your life. Which cancer tests do you need and when? Our age-by-age guide can help you decide.

Age 21 to 39

Cervical cancer: Begin screening at 21. Your options include an HPV test or Pap test. HPV testing checks for the HPV virus, which can cause cervical cancer. The Pap test checks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. Repeat HPV testing every five years, or have the Pap test every three years.

Age 40 to 49

Cervical cancer: Continue with HPV testing every five years or a Pap test every three years.

Colorectal cancer. At age 45, everyone should start screening. Several types of test options are available, and screening can detect and prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing polyps (pre-cancerous growths) before they turn into cancer.

Breast cancer: Women age 40 to 44 can decide to begin screening with mammography every year. At age 45, however, begin getting a mammogram yearly.

Prostate cancer: At age 45, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of testing if you are at high risk for prostate cancer. Risk factors include being African American or Caribbean with African ancestry or having a close family member diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65.

Age 50+

Breast cancer: Continue with a yearly mammogram through age 54. At age 55, you can switch to every two years or continue with yearly screening. Keep screening as long as you are in good health and expect to live at least 10 years or more.

Prostate cancer: Talk to your doctor about screening for prostate cancer, if you haven't already. Testing can include a blood test that checks for protein-specific antigen (PSA), a marker for prostate cancer, and a digital rectal exam, which checks the prostate for lumps or abnormal size.

Cervical cancer: Continue testing every three to five years through age 65. You can stop then if all results have been normal. Otherwise, your provider may suggest testing for at least 25 years after a precancer diagnosis, even if you're 66 or older.

Lung cancer: Talk to your doctor if you are a current smoker, if you have quit smoking within the last 15 years, or if you have a tobacco smoking history of at least 20 “pack years” (an average of one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years). You may qualify for lung cancer screenings based on these guidelines.

Check in with your primary care provider

Cancer testing is individual. You may need to be screened earlier and more often. Make an appointment to talk to your primary care doctor about a screening schedule that's right for you.

Source: American Cancer Society

Visit FRHS.ORG/Cancer to learn more.