Catch It Early. Save Lives.
Checking for cancer (or for abnormal cells that may become cancer) in people who have no symptoms is called screening. Several screening tests have been shown to detect cancer early and to reduce the chance of dying from that cancer.
Weighing Benefits and Risks
Potential Benefits
- Detecting cancer early when it's most treatable.
- Preventing cancer by finding and removing precancerous growths.
- Peace of mind from a negative result.
Potential Risks
- False Positives: Test suggests cancer when none exists, leading to anxiety and unnecessary procedures.
- Overdiagnosis: Finding a cancer that would never have caused problems or death during a person's life.
- Physical side effects from invasive tests.
Standard Screening Tests
Breast Cancer
Mammograms find breast cancer when it is easier to treat. MRI may be used for women at higher-than-average risk.
Cervical Cancer
HPV tests look for high-risk viruses, while Pap tests look for cell changes. Often done together (co-testing).
Colorectal Cancer
Colonoscopy can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. Stool tests (FIT/FOBT) detect hidden blood.
Lung Cancer
Low-dose CT scans (LDCT) are recommended for people who have a history of heavy smoking and smoke now or quit recently.
Prostate Cancer
PSA blood tests measure a protein made by the prostate. High levels can indicate cancer or other non-cancerous conditions.
Skin Cancer
Regular skin self-exams using the ABCDE rule can help find suspicious moles or lesions early.
General Screening Roadmap
| Age Range | Key Screening Emphasis |
|---|---|
| 20s & 30s | Cervical cancer (starting at 21), Skin self-exams, Dental oncology checks. |
| 40s | Breast cancer (Mammograms), Colorectal cancer (starting at 45). |
| 50s & 60s | Prostate cancer discussion, Lung cancer (if history of smoking), Continued 40s regimen. |
| 70+ | Shared decision making with physician based on life expectancy and health. |
Note: Screening assumes no symptoms.
If you notice a lump, unusual bleeding, or persistent pain, do not wait for a scheduled screening. Diagnostic tests are required for investigation and differ significantly from screening protocols.