What Cancer Screenings Do You Need? A Quick Guide

Cancer screenings can save lives by detecting cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

With an estimated 2 million new cancer cases expected in 2025, regular screenings are more important than ever, according to the American Cancer Society.

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, which makes it a perfect time to check if you’re up to date on the recommended screenings.

Experts from Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health in New Jersey urge individuals to follow the latest cancer screening guidelines based on age, risk factors and family history.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about four key cancer screenings:

Colorectal cancer screening: Start at age 45

Who should get screened?

Adults 45 and older should start routine colorectal cancer screenings.
People at higher risk due to family history or other factors should talk to their doctor about screening earlier.
Regular screening should continue through age 75, with a doctor’s guidance for those between 76 and 85.

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 who are 40 to 54 years of age should get a mammogram every year to check for breast cancer.
Women 55 and older can switch to every two years or continue annual screening.
Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and has 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 currently smoke or who have quit within the last 15 years should get screened for lung cancer. (A pack/year is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by number of years the 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 45 and older should discuss the pros and cons of screening for prostate cancer with their doctor.
African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer should consider starting at age 40.

Screening options

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test – A blood test to assess prostate cancer risk.

Cancer screenings can catch disease early before symptoms appear, improving survival odds.

Individuals at higher risk for cancer due to factors like family history, smoking or other factors should talk to their doctor about screening even sooner that the guidelines recommend.

More information

The American Cancer Society has more resources on understanding cancer.

SOURCE: Rutgers Cancer Institute, news release, Feb. 10, 2025

Source: HealthDay