You’ve probably heard that cancer screenings are valuable tools that can save lives, but do you know which screenings you should get and when? If your answer is no, don’t worry, just read on. We’ll give you a clear roadmap of which screenings are right for you and when you should schedule your cancer screening.
What Is A Cancer Screening?
Cancer screenings are tests that look for signs of cancer before any symptoms are present. While screenings can detect abnormalities, further diagnostic testing is usually needed to know for sure if cancer is present. Regular screenings can help find cancer in its earliest stages, which improves the chances for successful treatment.
Screening methods can include:
- Physical examination, including discussing lifestyle habits and personal or family health history
- Laboratory testing of blood, urine or tissue
- Imaging, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy
- Genetic testing that looks for changes in genes or chromosomes that put you at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer
Who Needs to Get Screened for Cancer?
Screening is only available for certain types of cancer, and not everyone needs every screening. Below, are common cancer screening recommendations based on people with average risk. Your doctor will make specific recommendations based on your personal health history.
Cancer Screening Recommendations for Women
Breast Cancer Screening
- Breast self awareness. Breast self awareness helps you become familiar with how your breast normally feels. This involves feeling and looking at your breasts at the same time each month, starting at age 21. Feel and look for unusual changes including lumps, tenderness, puckering around the nipple or discharge from the nipple. Report any breast changes to your doctor and have them do a breast exam yearly.
- Mammogram. You should have a mammogram done yearly, beginning at 40. Learn what to expect at your first mammogram.
Gynecologic Cancer Screening
- Gynecologic physical exam. Starting at 21, or younger if you’re sexually active, you should see your doctor every year for a vaginal exam.
- Pap test. Starting at 21, you should have a Pap test to check for cervical cancer. If there are no abnormal findings, the Pap test should be repeated every three to five years.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) test. HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that has many different strains. In most cases, HPV goes away without causing health problems, but some strains can cause cancer. Starting at 30, you should be tested for HPV. If there are no abnormal findings, repeat the test every five years.
Cancer Screening Recommendations for Men
Testicular Cancer Screening
- Testicular self-exam. Starting at puberty, you should perform a monthly self-exam of your testicles to check for abnormal lumps or changes. If you find anything unusual, consult your doctor.
Breast Cancer Screening
- Breast self-exam. Even though it’s more common in women, men can also develop breast cancer. Every month, you should feel and look for unusual changes including lumps, tenderness or discharge from the nipple. If you find anything unusual, consult your doctor.
Prostate Cancer Screening
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). This screening combines a physical exam and a blood test to screen for prostate cancer. You should start getting screened at age 45, or earlier if you’re a high-risk patient. Your doctor will discuss how often testing should follow, annually or less frequent, based on your results.
Cancer Screening Recommendations for Both Men and Women
Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Stool test. Stool tests detect blood or altered DNA in your stool. There are multiple types of stool tests available; your doctor can recommend what’s best for you. Depending on which type of test you use, it should be repeated every one to three years.
- Colonoscopy. If you’re at average risk, you should get your first colonoscopy at 45. The test should be repeated every 10 years until you’re 75.
Skin Cancer Screening
- Skin self-exams. It’s never too soon to start monitoring your skin health. Check monthly for signs of changing moles, freckles or sunspots. If you have a lot of moles or freckles or if you’re at high-risk, you may also choose to have a doctor perform a skin exam.
Lung Cancer Screening
- Low-dose CT lung screening. If you’ve smoked a pack a day or more for 20 or more years or have a 20+ packs a year habit, you should schedule a lung cancer screening between the ages of 50 and 70.
General health checks and screenings are how we can be sure we’re performing our own routine care. Check out the checkup checklists below, which go beyond cancer screenings for men and women.
By staying consistent with your health screenings, you can confidently keep making plans for your life, knowing your health is a priority.
