Screening for Cancer: General Population

For those who do not have a cancer diagnosis or are not known to be at risk due to genetic mutations, there are strategies that can help you stay healthy by engaging in cancer screening.

For women:

Pap smears at specified intervals (every 3 years ages 21-29 and every 5 years with HPV testing from 30-64) and managing abnormal ones as per guidelines, mammogram screening starting at age 40. Adding breast ultrasound after discussion with your doctor if you have dense breasts. If you feel a breast lump, do not assume it is nothing. Get it checked.

For men:

PSA as a screen for prostate cancer as well as an annual prostate exam is important. Speak with your doctor about when to start.

For both:

Of course, having a primary care physician is important to monitor for other health risks such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and more.

Colon cancer screening guidelines have recently changed. It is recommended that average risk women and men undergo colonoscopy starting at age 45. The interval depends on the findings. A normal colonoscopy in an average risk individual need not be repeated for 10 years!

Many organizations publish their screening guidelines and not all concur particularly regarding age to begin testing. Talk to your doctor about recommendations that are personalized to you. Below are the American Cancer Society Guidelines. It is important to note that these are guidelines only. Your personal and family history will help you and your doctor determine when it is best to start screening, and which tests you should undergo.

NOTE: *the ACS in the table below suggests pap smears start at age 25. The American College of OBGYN, the American Society for Colposcopy and Clinical Pathology and the CDC, all recommend starting at age 21.

These discrepancies can be confusing and truly underscore the importance of having regular visits with your doctor and discussing your particular needs.

Age 25–39 Screening recommendations
Cervical cancer screening recommended for people with a cervix beginning at age 25.*

Age 40–49 Screening recommendations
Breast cancer screening recommended beginning at age 45, with the option to begin at age 40.
Cervical cancer screening recommended for people with a cervix.
Colorectal cancer screening recommended for everyone beginning at age 45.
At age 45, African Americans should discuss prostate cancer screening with a doctor.

Age 50+ Screening recommendations
Breast cancer screening recommended.
Cervical cancer screening recommended.
Colorectal cancer screening recommended.
People who currently smoke or formerly smoked should discuss lung cancer screening with a doctor.
Discussing prostate cancer screening with a doctor recommended.