Recommended Cancer Screening Tests

Regular cancer screening tests can help detect cancer at an early stage, when it is most treatable. The recommended screening tests depend on a person’s age, sex, and risk factors for certain types of cancer. Here are some general recommendations for cancer screening tests:

Breast cancer:

• Mammogram: Women aged 50 to 74 should have a mammogram every 2 years to screen for breast cancer. Women who are at higher risk for breast cancer may need to start screening earlier or have more frequent screenings.

Cervical cancer:

• Pap test: Women aged 21 to 65 should have a Pap test every 3 years to screen for cervical cancer. Women aged 30 to 65 can choose to have a Pap test every 5 years if it is done in combination with an HPV test.

Colorectal cancer:

• Colonoscopy: Adults aged 50 to 75 should have a colonoscopy every 10 years to screen for colorectal cancer. Other screening tests, such as fecal occult blood tests or stool DNA tests, may also be used.

Lung cancer:

• Low-dose CT scan: Adults aged 55 to 80 who are current or former smokers with a history of smoking at least 30 pack-years should have a low-dose CT scan once a year to screen for lung cancer.

Prostate cancer:

• PSA test: Men aged 50 to 70 should talk to their healthcare provider about whether to have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test to screen for prostate cancer. The decision to have the test should be based on individual risk factors and preferences.

Skin cancer:

• Skin exam: People should have a skin exam as part of a regular checkup with their healthcare provider, and should also check their own skin regularly for any changes that may indicate skin cancer.

It’s important to talk to a healthcare professional about which cancer screening tests are recommended for you based on your individual risk factors and medical history. Early detection through screening tests can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment and survival.