Cancer Screening Guidelines

Evidence-Based Screening by Age and Risk

Understanding Cancer Screening

Cancer screening tests detect cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective. Not all screening tests are right for everyone. Guidelines consider age, risk factors, benefits, and potential harms. Discuss your personal risk and screening plan with your doctor.

Screening saves lives, but no test is perfect. Understanding benefits and limitations helps you make informed decisions.

Screening Principles

Cancer Screening Types

Breast Cancer (Mammography)

Women 40-49: discuss with doctor, 50-74: every 2 years

✓ Women with high risk may start earlier and need MRI. Breast self-awareness recommended for all women.

Cervical Cancer (Pap Test)

Start at 21, every 3 years to 29

✓ 30-65: Pap every 3 years or Pap+HPV every 5 years. Stop at 65 if history of normal tests.

Colorectal Cancer

Start at 45, continue to 75

✓ Colonoscopy every 10 years, or annual stool test, or sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or CT colonography every 5 years.

Lung Cancer (LDCT)

Adults 50-80 who smoke heavily or quit within 15 years

✓ Annual low-dose CT scan for eligible current or former heavy smokers. Shared decision required.

Prostate Cancer (PSA)

Men 55-69: discuss with doctor

✓ Individual decision based on risk factors and values. Not routinely recommended for all men.

Skin Cancer

No standard screening for general population

✓ Regular skin self-exams. Clinical exams for those with high risk or history of skin cancer.

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Common Symptoms

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Warning Signs (Seek Care)

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pages.cancer-screening-guide.prevention.heading

Creating Your Screening Plan

Know Your Family History

Cancer in first-degree relatives affects when you start screening and what tests you need. Share family history with your doctor.

Understand Your Risk Factors

Smoking, obesity, alcohol, sun exposure, certain infections, and occupational exposures increase cancer risk. Screening may need to start earlier.

Discuss with Your Doctor

Guidelines are for average risk. Your personal risk profile determines what screening is right for you.

Keep a Screening Calendar

Track when screenings are due. Set reminders. WellAlly helps you stay on top of recommended screenings.

Follow Through on Abnormal Results

Abnormal screening needs follow-up. Don't delay. Early follow-up is crucial for abnormal findings.

Report New Symptoms

Between screenings, report any unusual symptoms to your doctor. Screening is for people without symptoms.

Cancer Screening Facts

50%

Reduction in cervical cancer mortality with screening

30%

Of recommended screenings are missed

60%

Of cancers are detected through screening

Frequently Asked Questions

Track Your Screenings with WellAlly

Stay on top of cancer screening schedules and results