Our Guide to Cancer Screening (+ Which Ones to Get and When)

Which Cancer Screenings Do You Need?

Did you just have a birthday and now you’re wondering if there are any cancers you need to be screened for? Or maybe it’s been a few years since your last screening and you know it’s time to re-up? Or maybe you’ve heard about trendy new ways to “get a full-body scan and get everything checked in one go?”

Whatever it is, we all know there are certain cancer screenings we have to get, but many of us are in the dark about which screenings we need and when, and which ones are not recommended as part of routine health maintenance.

Let’s take a look at the cancer screenings typically recommended for the general public, with age and frequency guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Colon Cancer

For the general population and in the absence of specific risk factors (like family history), you typically start screening for colon cancer at age 45 and get subsequently screened every few years (depending on results of your initial screening, additional risk factors and initial screening method chosen).

Screenings may continue until 75 years of age, after which a decision with your care team may be helpful to decide if additional screening beyond that age is beneficial.

The best screening method is the one you are most likely to complete. Colonoscopies remain the preferred option for screening for patients at higher risk of developing colon cancer. Stool tests are an option for patients without risk factors, symptoms, and/or previous abnormal findings on colonoscopy.

There have also been some exciting new developments in blood-based tests, though there’s still a ways to go before these are mainstream recommendations, so we’ll just have to wait and watch for the time being.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer screenings are recommended for patients born female beginning at age 40 and typically continuing until 74. Breast cancer screening is currently recommended every other year using mammography.

After the age of 74, it is unclear if additional screening is beneficial, and so a shared decision discussion with your doctor can be helpful. As with all types of cancer, those with a family history of breast cancer may be recommended different screening types and at more frequent intervals.

Cervical Cancer

Patients born with and who still have a cervix should receive cervical cancer screenings typically between the ages of 21 and 65. Cervical cancer is screened by a test called a pap smear, which is recommended every three to five years depending on the age of the patient.

Based on risk factors and previous pap smear results, your care team may recommend more frequent screenings and/or additional testing like a colposcopy (not to be confused with a colonoscopy).

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer screening is recommended for a specific subset of the population. Those between the ages of 50 and 80, who have a 20-pack-year smoking history, and are either current smokers or quit within the last 15 years, are eligible for lung cancer screening.

This is done with an annual low-dose lung CT scan. Given that CT scans do not eliminate all radiation exposure, these are usually only recommended for patients that meet the criteria outlined above for screening purposes. CT scans can always be done for specific conditions or symptoms, but are overall not recommended for general screening purposes.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer screening, typically for patients who were born male (and who have a prostate), recommendations are more complicated. There are different evidence and opinions about prostate cancer screening from various medical groups and societies.

Tests that are often associated with prostate cancer screening include a blood test called PSA and/or a digital rectal exam. Although there might be some benefit to a screening lab as a PSA, there are also some risks, including a high number of false positives, which can lead to additional workup.

So yes, this is complicated, and the best approach is one where there is a clear discussion and shared decision between you and your care team to determine whether and what type of prostate cancer screening method is right for you.

Skin Cancer

As explained in a previous blog, it’s very important to protect your skin from sun damage which can increase your risk of skin cancer. It’s also important to monitor your body for any new or changing skin lesions or moles. When in doubt, ask your care team to take a look. In some cases, it may be appropriate for you to see a dermatologist on a as needed and/or regular basis.

What About Other Types of Cancer?

There are many other cancers, and some lab and imaging tests can help diagnose these cancers when there is specific suspicion, symptom or concern.  However, there are no recommended routine screening tests for these other cancers (such as lymphoma, leukemia, pancreatic, thyroid, etc).

It’s therefore very important that you communicate your risk factors and family history to your care team, and stay on top of any unusual symptoms or abnormal exam findings. This puts you in the best position to detect a potential problem early and take the right action.

Can’t I Just Get a Full-Body Scan or Extra Blood Tests?

A yearly full-body scan or a full set of blood tests may seem like straightforward ways to screen for all cancers at once. But this isn’t typically recommended for a number of reasons. Many screening procedures involve radiation, some can be invasive, and others may cause overtesting and more harm than good, so there’s a risk that comes with an overly broad screening approach.

Instead, your care team will work with you to identify which cancer screenings you’re most at risk for, all while weighing the risks vs benefits of specific cancer screening. The best thing you can do to prevent cancer is stay up to date with your recommended screenings and keep your care team closely apprised on risk factors (such as family history) and new/persistent symptoms.