A guide to cancer screenings at every age
Modern advances in medicine are helping catch many cancers in their earliest and most treatable stages through routine screening. Early detection is the key to reducing the pain and discomfort of treatment, and often increasing the chances of survival. Deciding when you should get screened, and for which cancers, depends on your age, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle. For those with average risk, you can use the guide below to understand when to get started and how often for the most common types of cancer.
Remember: everyone should consult with their primary care provider about any health issues, family history, or other risk factors that might require a higher level of screenings.
Ages
21 to 29
Ages 21 to 29
Breast Cancer:
While most breast cancers are found in women aged 50 and up, it’s a good idea for women to start performing self-exams at age 21 and make a habit of doing it monthly throughout their lives.
Cervical Cancer:
Human papillomavirus or HPV is an infection that can be sexually transmitted and lead
to cervical cancer. Doctors advise a pap test (or swab test) every three years for women ages 21 and up.
Skin Cancer:
No matter how old you are, suspicious moles or growths should be looked at immediately by a physician or dermatologist — especially if the spot in question changes color, shape, or texture. And for anyone with fair skin, freckles, or a history of sunburns, regular self-examinations are recommended.
Ages
31 to 39
Ages
40 to 49
Ages
50 to 64
65 and Older
Ages 31 to 39
Breast Cancer:
While most breast cancers are found in women aged 50 and up, it’s a good idea for women to start performing self-exams at age 21 and make a habit of doing it monthly throughout their lives.
Cervical Cancer:
If the pap tests have been negative, women over age 35 can choose to be tested for HPV less frequently, reducing the years between screenings to once every five years.
Skin Cancer:
No matter how old you are, suspicious moles or growths should be looked at immediately by a physician or dermatologist — especially if the spot in question changes color, shape, or texture. And for anyone with fair skin, freckles, or a history of sunburns, regular self-examinations are recommended.
Ages 40 to 49
Breast Cancer:
Women aged 40 and over at average risk of breast cancer (no immediate family member has had breast cancer) should begin getting mammograms every year.
Cervical Cancer:
Doctors advise a pap test (or swab test) for HPV (Human papillomavirus) which can cause cervical cancer, at least every five years for women.
Skin Cancer:
No matter how old you are, suspicious moles or growths should be looked at immediately by a physician or dermatologist — especially if the spot in question changes color, shape, or texture. And for anyone with fair skin, freckles, or a history of sunburns, regular self-examinations are recommended.
Colon Cancer:
Beginning at age 45, all men and women at average risk should begin having colonoscopies (a scope examines the lining of the colon for any precancerous cell clusters). And if the initial exam is negative, they should undergo one every 10 years.
Ages 50 to 64
Breast Cancer:
Women at average risk of breast cancer (no immediate family member has had breast cancer) should continue getting mammograms every year.
Prostate Cancer:
At age 50, men with higher-than-average risk of prostate cancer (particularly Black men whose father, brother, or son have had prostate cancer before age 65) should consult their physician and weigh the risks and benefits of a PSA blood test and rectal exam. (If you’ve had more than one relative with early prostate cancer, you might consider testing even earlier.)
Cervical Cancer:
Doctors advise a pap test (or swab test) for HPV (Human papillomavirus) which can cause cervical cancer, at least every five years for women.
Colon Cancer:
All men and women at average risk should continue having colonoscopies (a scope examines the lining of the colon for any precancerous cell clusters). And if the initial exam is negative, they should undergo one every 10 years.
lUNG Cancer:
Between ages 50 and 80, anyone who is currently a 20-pack-year smoker or has quit in the previous 15 years should consider yearly low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer.
sKIN Cancer:
No matter how old you are, suspicious moles or growths should be looked at immediately by a physician or dermatologist — especially if the spot in question changes color, shape, or texture. And for anyone with fair skin, freckles, or a history of sunburns, regular self-examinations are recommended.
65 and Older
Colon Cancer:
Continue testing through age 75, then consult your healthcare provider about whether continued screening is right for you. Generally, people over 85 should no longer be screened.
Breast Cancer:
Women 65 and older can reduce mammograms to one every two years. But it’s important to continue monitoring your breast and report any changes in appearance or feeling to your doctor.
Cervical Cancer:
Women 65 or older may be able to discontinue HPV screenings if their pap smears have been continually negative. People with a history of serious cervical pre-cancer should continue testing for 25 years after that initial diagnosis.
Skin Cancer:
No matter how old you are, suspicious moles or growths should be looked at immediately by a physician or dermatologist — especially if the spot in question changes color, shape, or texture. And for anyone with fair skin, freckles, or a history of sunburns, regular self-examinations are recommended.
Prostate Cancer:
Men who can reasonably expect to live at least 10 more years should talk with their healthcare provider about whether they should continue testing.