Cancer Screenings: What You Need to Know
Posted: July 16, 2025
Cancer screenings save lives. When cancer is found early, it’s often easier to treat—and survival rates are significantly higher. Regular screenings can detect cancer before symptoms appear, giving you the best chance for a positive outcome.
At Cancer Care Northwest, we believe that prevention and early detection are just as important as treatment. Below, we’ve outlined current cancer screening guidelines for some of the most common cancers, based on recommendations from organizations like the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
Breast Cancer Screening
Who Should Get Screened?
- Women ages 40–44: Optional annual mammograms based on personal choice and risk factors.
- Women ages 45–54: Annual mammograms are recommended.
- Women 55 and older: Mammograms every 1–2 years, depending on health status and personal preference.
Additional Considerations:
- Women with a family history of breast cancer or genetic risks (such as BRCA mutations) may need to start screening earlier or have MRI screenings in addition to mammograms.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Who Should Get Screened?
- Women ages 21–29: Pap test every 3 years.
- Women ages 30–65: Choose one of the following:
- Pap test and HPV test (co-testing) every 5 years
- Pap test alone every 3 years
- HPV test alone every 5 years
When Can Screening Stop?
- Women over 65 who have had regular, normal screening results may no longer need to be screened.
- Women who have had a hysterectomy for non-cancer reasons may not need cervical cancer screening.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Who Should Get Screened?
- Adults ages 45–75: Begin regular colorectal cancer screening.
- Screening methods include:
- Colonoscopy every 10 years (gold standard)
- Stool-based tests every 1–3 years, depending on the test
Additional Considerations:
- People with family history of colorectal cancer, personal history of polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease may need to start screening earlier and screen more frequently.
Lung Cancer Screening
Who Should Get Screened?
- Adults ages 50–80 who:
- Have a 20-pack-year smoking history (1 pack a day for 20 years, or 2 packs a day for 10 years)
- Are current smokers or have quit within the last 15 years
Screening Test:
- Low-dose CT (LDCT) scan once a year
Prostate Cancer Screening
Who Should Get Screened?
- Men ages 50–69: Discuss PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing with your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks.
- Men at higher risk (African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer) should consider starting the conversation at age 45.
Additional Considerations:
- Men over 70 typically do not need routine screening if they are in excellent health.
Why Cancer Screening Matters
Cancer screenings are not one-size-fits-all. Your personal risk factors—such as family history, lifestyle, and health conditions—play a role in determining when you should start screenings and how often you should have them.
Key Benefits of Early Detection:
- Find cancer before symptoms appear
- Catch cancer at earlier, more treatable stages
- Improve survival rates and reduce treatment complications
Take Control of Your Health
If you’re unsure about which cancer screenings you need, talk to your healthcare provider. Together, you can create a personalized screening plan based on your age, medical history, and risk factors.
At Cancer Care Northwest, we’re here to help you take the first step toward prevention and early detection. Contact us today to learn more about cancer screenings in our community.
