Cancer Screenings 101: What You Need at Every Age
Blue Daily
| 4 min read
About 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2025 and more than one in three Americans will experience cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Preventive care, including cancer screenings, are vital for early detection and life-saving treatment. June is National Cancer Survivors Month. Early detection leads to a higher survival rate for all cancers.
Here is a guide to cancer screenings by age and risk.
Ages 20 to 29
Cervical cancer
Every three years starting at age 21, women in this age group should get a Pap test, which is a screening tool for cervical cancer. This kind of cancer kills more than 4,000 women each year.
Starting at age 25 and continuing through age 65, individuals should get a primary human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years. HPV is the cause of more than 95% of cervical cancer cases. If primary HPV testing is not available, screening may be done with a co-test that combines an HPV test with a Pap test every five years.
Colon cancer and breast cancer
People between 20 and 29 should learn about their family history and their risk of colon cancer and breast cancer. If there is no family history of these cancers, no testing is needed at this time. If younger people are at increased risk, they should talk to their primary care provider (PCP).
Ages 30 to 39
Cervical cancer
The average age of a cervical cancer diagnosis is 50, although the most frequent age of diagnosis is between 35 and 44, according to the ACS. Female patients should continue receive a Pap test every three years and an HPV test every five years.
Colon and breast cancer
If there is no family history of colon cancer or breast cancer, no testing is needed at this time.
Ages 40 to 49
Colon cancer
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in woman and men in the U.S. excluding skin cancers and the second most common cause of cancer deaths, according to the ACS.
Starting at age 45, people at average risk should start to receive colonoscopies or other screenings. Those who have a family history of colon cancer should talk to their PCP before age 45.
Prostate cancer
About one in eight men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
African American men and individuals with a family history of prostate cancer should talk to their doctor about their risk by age 45. Men who have had a close family member diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65 should talk to their doctor about testing starting at age 40.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women, and it makes up about 30% of all cancer diagnoses in women.
For those with average risk of breast cancer, a mammogram is recommended starting at age 45. Most continue with yearly mammograms until age 55 and then continue to screen every other year.
Women with a higher risk or family history of breast cancer can talk to their PCP about beginning mammograms and screenings at age 40.
Ages 50 to 64
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the second-most common cancer in men and women, according to the ACS.
If you have a history of smoking cigarettes, lung cancer screenings become important starting at 50. The ACS recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low dose computed tomography in adults age 50 to 80 who:
- Have a 20-pack year smoking history
- Currently smoke or used to smoke
Prostate cancer
Men with average risk for prostate cancer should start screenings at age 50.
Age 65 and older
Cervical cancer
By age 65, several wellness screenings are provided on a case-by-case basis. HPV and Pap tests may not be necessary, but cervical cancer screening after age 65 may be appropriate if you are at high risk, including if you have:
- A history of cervical lesions or cancer
- Mothers who took a hormone called diethylstilbestrol while pregnant
- Have a weakened immune system
Prostate cancer
For men aged 55 to 69 years, the decision to undergo periodic prostate-specific antigen-based screening for prostate cancer should be an individual one.
Colon cancer
Colon cancer screenings are recommended for individuals through age 75. Anyone older should talk to their primary care provider about whether continued tests are beneficial. Insurance providers typically cover vital cancer screenings.
The timeline for services and individual coverage can vary by plan. In certain cases, exceptions may be made for those who are at a higher risk for disease. Members should check with their PCP and insurance carrier before scheduling a screening.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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