Cancer Screenings

As we age, the kinds of screenings we need and the frequency of those screenings evolves. Our gender, family history, preexisting conditions and lifestyle choices may make us more susceptible to certain types of cancer, so regular screenings should be a priority. It’s important to talk with your doctor about the cancer screenings that’re right for you.

Types of Screenings

There are a wide range of cancer screenings available, some of which are more invasive than others. Talking to your doctor about your medical history and the need for certain tests is an important part of the cancer prevention and early detection. While there may be standard recommendations regarding screenings at certain ages, it is important to stay in close communication with your doctor regarding the need for earlier screenings if you are at an increased risk.

Here’s a simple guide where you can learn about different kinds of cancer screenings and take the next step.

Cancer Type What are My Screening Options? How do I get screened?
Breast Mammogram (2D & 3D*)
Self-Exam
Breast Ultrasound
Breast MRI		 Schedule your screening mammogram
Colorectal Visual (structural) Exams:
Colonoscopy*
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
Flexible Sigmoldoscopy

Stool-Based Tests:
Multi-targeted stool DNA test (MT-sDNA)
Guaiac-Based Fecal Occult Blood Test (gFOBT)
Fecal ImmunochemicalTest (FIT)		 Talk to your primary care doctor about the screening that’s right for you. Need a referral? Find a doctor.
Prostate Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test Talk to your primary care doctor to schedule. Need a referral? Find a doctor
Cervical Cervical Cytology / Pap (Papanicolaou) Test HPV Test Schedule an appointment with your OB or GYN. Need a referral? Find a doctor.
Skin Physical Exam
Self-Exam
Skin Biopsy		 Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Need a referral? Find a doctor.
Lung Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) Talk to your primary care doctor to schedule. Need a referral? Find a doctor.