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Cancer screenings have the potential to save lives by detecting cancer at an early stage when treatments are most effective. As we approach an estimated 2 million new cancer cases expected in 2025, regular screenings have become more crucial than ever, according to the American Cancer Society.
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, making it the ideal time to review your screening schedule and ensure you’re up to date with the latest recommendations. Experts from Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health in New Jersey emphasize the importance of following cancer screening guidelines tailored to age, risk factors, and family history.
Here’s a quick look at four key cancer screenings everyone should be aware of:
Colorectal Cancer Screening: Start at Age 45
Who should get screened?
- Adults aged 45 and older should begin routine colorectal cancer screenings.
- Those with a family history or other risk factors should talk to their doctor about earlier screenings.
- Regular screening should continue through age 75, with screenings continuing between ages 76 and 85 under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Screening Options:
- Colonoscopy (every 10 years): A full colon exam that can detect and remove polyps.
- Stool-based tests (every 1-3 years): Includes FIT, HSgFOBT, or stool DNA-FIT.
- Other options: Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years) or CT colonography (every 5 years).
Breast Cancer Screening: Start at Age 40
Who should get screened?
- Women aged 40 to 54 should get a mammogram annually to check for breast cancer.
- Women 55 and older can opt for a mammogram every two years or continue annual screenings.
- Screening should continue as long as a woman remains in good health with a life expectancy of at least 10 more years.
Screening Options:
- Mammogram: A low-dose X-ray to detect breast abnormalities.
- Additional tests: Women with dense breasts can discuss ultrasound or MRI with their doctor.
Lung Cancer Screening: For High-Risk Adults
Who should get screened?
- Adults between 50 and 80 years of age with a 20 pack/year smoking history who are currently smoking or have quit within the last 15 years should consider lung cancer screening.
- (A pack/year is calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years a person has smoked.)
Screening Options:
- Low-Dose CT Scan (LDCT): A specialized X-ray that detects lung cancer in its early stages.
Prostate Cancer Screening: A Personal Decision
Who should get screened?
- Men aged 45 and older should discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening with their doctor.
- African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer should consider screening starting at age 40.
Screening Options:
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A blood test to assess prostate cancer risk.
Cancer screenings are essential for early detection, often before symptoms even appear, and can dramatically improve survival rates. Individuals at higher risk—due to factors like family history, smoking, or other conditions—should discuss the possibility of earlier screenings with their healthcare provider.
For more information on understanding cancer, visit the American Cancer Society’s website for resources and guidance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about cancer screenings.
