While many people put off routine doctor appointments and health exams, being proactive about your health can prevent serious issues from developing down the line. A prime example? Getting cancer screenings. These preventive strategies help detect cancer at a stage when a cure is an option.
“The sooner we catch a cancer, generally, the better the outcome,” says Rayli Pichardo, M.D., a hematology oncologist at Henry Ford Health.
Of course, every cancer is different, and certain types are more likely to affect someone at various stages of life. Individual factors such as a family history of cancer, genetics and gender can also affect the recommended age to begin screenings.
Below, Dr. Pichardo outlines the standard screening recommendations for those at average risk of five different types of cancer.
When To Get Colon Cancer Screening
Age to start screening: 45-50
Frequency: Every 5-10 years (depending on screening type)
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and American Саncеr Society (ACS) recommend that screenings begin at age 45 for average-risk individuals, with strong recommendations to at least start by age 50.
Unlike other cancers, there are a variety of screening options for colon cancer including colonoscopy, CT colonography (a.k.a. a virtual colonoscopy, which should take place every five years), fecal immunochemical testing (to be administered every year) and Cologuard testing (to be administered every three years). The American Cancer Society recommends that the average at-risk person continues regular screenings until life expectancy is less than 10 years, or roughly until age 75.
When To Get Breast Cancer Screening
Age to start screening: 40
Frequency: Every 1-2 years
“At Henry Ford Health, we recommend that regular mammograms begin at age 40, unless there is a family history or personal history for breast or ovarian cancer, in which case screening may begin sooner,” says Dr. Pichardo. The American Cancer Society says that women ages 40 - 44 should have the choice to start annual mammograms if they wish to do so, and women ages 45 - 54 should do so yearly. Women 55+ should continue with mammograms every 1-2 years.
Bottom line: At the very latest, breast cancer screenings should begin by age 50, says Dr. Pichardo. If you have a family history of breast cancer, screening should start at age 40 or earlier depending on your history, she adds. If you know you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation - or other high-risk gene mutations - screening recommendations may differ and should be directed by your healthcare provider.
When To Get Prostate Cancer Screening
Age to start screening: Varies. For average risk men, discussions with their doctor should begin at age 50.
Frequency: Every year or two, depending on the results of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test for as long as life expectancy is more than 10 years.
“We follow the American Cancer Society recommendations for prostate screening, which says that discussions about prostate cancer screening should begin at age 50,” says Dr. Pichardo. “Men at high risk (a group that includes men with a family history of prostate cancer, BRCA gene mutations and African American men) should begin screening between the ages of 40 and 45.”
Cancer Screening At Henry Ford Health
When To Get Lung Cancer Screening
Age to start screening: 50
Frequency: Usually yearly
In the U.S., 80 to 90% of lung cancer deaths are related to cigarette smoking. Consequently, the need for lung cancer screening depends upon a person’s history of smoking. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends lung cancer screening for those who have a smoking history equivalent to a pack a day for 20 years and currently smoke or who have quit within the past 15 years. They should be screened until the age of 80. While scans can be helpful in detecting cancer, the best way to lower your risk of lung cancer is to quit smoking.
When To Get Cervical Cancer Screening
Age to start screening: 21
Frequency: Every 3-5 years (if results are normal).
A pap test every three years is the most common method of screening for cervical cancer. Screening can occur every five years if an HPV test is performed (a test that looks for the human papillomavirus that can lead to cancer). For most women, cervical cancer screenings are recommended through age 65.
Amidst busy schedules, making time for a cancer screening may be a low priority, but you won’t regret getting screened.
“I’ve never met a cancer survivor who found cancer early and was upset they had their routine screening,” says Dr. Pichardo. “In fact, they usually become our biggest advocates.”
