Early detection of cancer can save lives by catching the disease in its early stages when it is most treatable. Regular cancer screenings help identify potential problems before symptoms appear. However, the type of screening you need depends on factors like age, gender, family history, and lifestyle risks.
Dr Thapa Wellness clinic share a guide to essential cancer screenings, when you should get them, and who should consider them.
- Breast Cancer Screening
Recommended Tests:
• Mammogram: X-ray of the breast to detect tumors.
• Breast MRI: For women at high risk (family history, genetic mutations).
When to Get Tested:
• Ages 40-44: Optional yearly mammograms.
• Ages 45-54: Annual mammograms recommended.
• Ages 55+: Every 1-2 years, depending on risk factors.
Who Should Be Screened?
• Women over 40.
• Women with a family history of breast cancer should consult their doctor about earlier screening.
- Cervical Cancer Screening
Recommended Tests:
• Pap Smear (Pap Test): Detects abnormal cervical cells.
• HPV Test: Identifies high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus.
When to Get Tested:
• Ages 21-29: Pap test every 3 years.
• Ages 30-65: Pap test + HPV test every 5 years (or Pap test alone every 3 years).
• 65+: Can stop screening if previous tests were normal.
Who Should Be Screened?
• All women starting at age 21.
• Women with a history of HPV or abnormal Pap tests may need more frequent screenings.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
Recommended Tests:
• Colonoscopy: Examines the colon for polyps or cancer.
• Stool Tests (FIT, FOBT, or Stool DNA Test): Detects hidden blood or abnormal DNA in the stool.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Examines part of the colon for abnormalities.
When to Get Tested:
• Ages 45-75:
• Colonoscopy every 10 years OR
• Stool test every 1-3 years OR
• Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.
• 75+: Screening based on individual health and doctor’s advice.
Who Should Be Screened?
• Adults over 45.
• Those with a family history of colorectal cancer should start screening earlier.
- Prostate Cancer Screening
Recommended Tests:
• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Blood Test: Measures PSA levels, which may indicate cancer.
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): Physical exam of the prostate.
When to Get Tested:
• Ages 50+: Discuss screening with your doctor.
• Ages 45+: Start screening if at high risk (family history, African American men).
Who Should Be Screened?
• Men over 50.
• Those at higher risk should consider screening earlier.
- Lung Cancer Screening
Recommended Test:
• Low-Dose CT Scan (LDCT): Detects lung cancer in early stages.
When to Get Tested:
• Ages 50-80: Yearly LDCT for current or former heavy smokers (20+ pack-years).
• Screening stops if you’ve been smoke-free for 15 years.
Who Should Be Screened?
• Current or former smokers with a heavy smoking history.
• Those with occupational exposure to carcinogens.
- Skin Cancer Screening
Recommended Tests:
• Full-body skin exam by a dermatologist
• Self-examinations for new or changing moles
When to Get Tested:
• Annually for high-risk individuals.
• Self-checks should be done monthly.
Who Should Be Screened?
• People with fair skin, frequent sun exposure, or family history of melanoma.
• Those with numerous moles or a history of sunburns.
- Ovarian Cancer Screening (For High-Risk Individuals)
Recommended Tests:
• Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS)
• CA-125 Blood Test (Not for routine screening, but for high-risk women)
When to Get Tested:
• No routine screening for the general population.
• High-risk women (family history, BRCA mutation) may need screening starting at age 35-40.
Who Should Be Screened?
• Women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.
Final Thoughts
Cancer screening is one of the most effective ways to detect cancer early when treatment is most successful. Talk to your family doctor about which screenings are right for you based on your risk factors.