American Cancer Society - Cancer Screening Recommendations
American Cancer Society - Cancer Screening Recommendations
Screening tests are used to help detect cancer in a person before any symptoms appear.
Screening can often help find cancer precursors and cancers early, before they spread.
Here are the American Cancer Society’s recommendations to guide you in discussions with your doctor regarding screening for specific cancers:
Breast Cancer
- Women aged 40 to 44 have the option to begin annual mammograms (breast X-rays) if they choose.
- Women aged 45 to 54 should have a mammogram every year.
- Women 55 and older may switch to biennial screening (every two years) or continue annual screening.
- Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
- All women should be aware of the **benefits, limitations, and potential risks of breast cancer screening.
- Women should also be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to a healthcare provider immediately.
Some women, due to family history, genetic predisposition, or other factors, should undergo MRI screenings alongside mammograms. (This applies to a small percentage of women.) Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best screening plan for you.
Colon and Rectal Cancer & Polyps
For those at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends starting regular screening at age 45.
Screening can be done through:
A sensitive stool-based test that looks for cancer indicators in stool
A visual exam of the colon and rectum
Talk to your healthcare provider to determine which tests are best for you and check with your insurance provider for coverage.
Regardless of which test you choose, the most important thing is to get screened.
If you are in good health, continue regular screening until age 75.
Between ages 76 and 85, discuss with your provider whether to continue screening, considering your preferences, overall health, and past screening history.
People over 85 should discontinue colorectal cancer screening.
If you choose a non-colonoscopy screening test and receive abnormal results, follow-up with a colonoscopy is necessary.
Cervical Cancer
- Screening should start at age 25.
- People under 25 should not be tested, as cervical cancer is rare in this age group. A primary HPV (human papillomavirus) test every 5 years is recommended for those aged 25 to 65.If primary HPV testing is unavailable, an HPV test with a Pap test (co-test) every 5 years or a Pap test alone every 3 years are also acceptable options. The most important thing is to get screened regularly, regardless of the test used.
Those over 65 who have had regular screenings in the last 10 years should stop cervical cancer testing.
- Once testing is stopped, it should not be restarted.
- People with a history of serious cervical precancer should continue screening beyond age 65.
Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
The American Cancer Society recommends that all women be informed about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer at menopause.
Women should report unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting to their doctor.
Some women, based on their medical history, may consider an annual endometrial biopsy. Talk to your healthcare provider about your individual risks.
Lung Cancer
The American Cancer Society recommends annual low-dose CT (LDCT) screening for lung cancer if you:
- Are aged 50 to 80
- Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
- Have at least a 20-pack-year smoking history
Before making a decision about screening, individuals should discuss the purpose, process, benefits, limitations, and potential harms with a healthcare professional.
- - Current smokers should receive counseling on quitting and be offered resources to help them stop smoking.
- - People with serious health issues or conditions that would prevent treatment should not undergo screening.
Prostate Cancer
The American Cancer Society recommends that men make an informed decision with their healthcare provider about whether to undergo prostate cancer screening.
At age 50, men should discuss with their provider whether **testing is necessary.
At age 45, men should begin discussions earlier if they are:
African American
Have a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65
If testing is chosen, it typically involves a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, with the possibility of a digital rectal exam.
Testing frequency will depend on PSA levels.
Take Charge of Your Health & Reduce Your Cancer Risk
- Avoid tobacco use.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay physically active.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Limit alcohol consumption (max 1 drink per day for women, 2 drinks per day for men).
- Protect your skin from UV exposure.
- Know your family history & personal risks.
- Get regular health check-ups & cancer screenings.