Do I need to start getting cancer screenings? Here’s what to know

The best way to cure cancer is to detect it early. Though there are treatments available to address cancer that is caught later, the most curable stage for all cancers is the first one.

There are many types of cancer screenings available. When and whether you should undergo screenings depends on your age, your personal medical history and your family medical history. Learn more about the most common screenings and when to start.

What is a cancer screening?

Cancer screenings are tests to find cancer or precancer. A handful of cancers have effective, proven screening tests. Dr. Nasser Hanna, oncologist and chief of cancer screenings at IU Health, explains more about these screenings and when they should be scheduled.

When to get screened

Breast cancer: One of the oldest and most common screenings, breast cancer screenings take an image inside the breast. This image is taken using a mammogram, or for people with a higher risk of breast cancer, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). “Breast cancer screening is one of the primary reasons why the mortality for breast cancer has steadily gone down over the last several decades,” said Dr. Hanna.

When and how often to get screened for breast cancer: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that all women get screened every other year starting at age 40. You might get screened sooner if you have a family history of the disease or inherited a genetic mutation like BRCA.

Colon cancer: This type of cancer affects the large intestine. There are three ways to test for colon cancer: two stool tests that check for DNA changes in the cells or blood in the stool, or a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a painless procedure where a doctor places a scope through your colon to check for polyps. Polyps are growths in the colon lining that can turn into cancer. Your doctor will remove concerning polyps to prevent them from turning into cancer.

When to get screened for colon cancer: Everyone should get these starting at age 45, or sooner if you have certain risk factors. “If you have a genetic predisposition to colon cancer or certain underlying medical problems, like inflammatory bowel disease, this will substantially push up the age at which you should get screened,” Dr. Hanna said.

Cervical cancer: Regular gynecological checkups include a Pap test, which is a screening for cervical cancer. The cervix is the canal connecting the uterus to the vagina. During a Pap test, the doctor collects cells from the cervix. This tissue is examined under a microscope to look for cells that are cancerous or could become cancerous. “Cervical cancer screening is incredibly effective at reducing the rates for cervical cancer,” Dr. Hanna said. “The cells lining the cervix can go through a series of changes that can transition into cancer. The screening lets your doctor intervene to remove these cells from the cervix to reduce the chance that this turns into cancer.”

When to get screened for cervical cancer: These screenings start when a woman becomes sexually active or by age 25. Women should continue annual gynecological visits, even after menopause.

Lung cancer: Lung cancer screenings have been available for more than 10 years. This test is proven to reduce lung cancer deaths, and it’s one of the least invasive screenings. Using a computed tomography (CT) scan, your doctor can get an image of your lungs to detect cancer in its earliest stage. “A lung scan can also find other cancers and other serious medical conditions,” Dr. Hanna said. “That’s why it can reduce the likelihood of early death for many reasons.”

When to get screened for lung cancer: You can undergo a screening if you are at least 50 years old and have a history of smoking at least 20 pack years. “Pack years” calculates how much you’ve smoked. A 20-pack-year describes smoking one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years, etc.

Skin cancer: People with a high risk of skin cancer should undergo regular screening. You are a good candidate for skin cancer screening if you:

• Have a family history of melanoma
• Are fair skinned
• Have had excessive sun exposure or sunburns, such as from working outdoors
• Use a tanning bed
• Have lots of moles on your skin

You can perform a self-exam at home each month to monitor for any concerning changes in your skin or moles. Talk with your doctor if you feel you should be screened for skin cancer. During a skin cancer screening, a dermatologist will examine your skin visually to check for concerning spots or changes.

Head and neck cancer: These types of cancers affect your mouth, throat, neck and head. You are at greater risk for these types of cancer if you smoke or chew tobacco, drink alcohol on a regular basis or have the human papillomavirus (HPV). This screening is done by a doctor checking your head and neck or a dentist checking inside your mouth.

When to get screened for head and neck cancer: If you smoke or chew tobacco or drink alcohol on a regular basis, get checked each year by your doctor or dentist. You can also check your mouth and neck monthly for lumps or sore spots.

While these are the most common cancer screenings, you may be a good candidate to get screened for other diseases, depending on your medical and family history.

How much does a cancer screening cost, and does insurance cover it?

If you fit the age or at-risk screening criteria, most cancer screenings are covered by insurance. You can also locate free cancer screenings in your community or with your healthcare provider, like IU Health. It’s important to maintain regular checkups with your doctor as you grow older so they can perform routine screenings.

How often do I get cancer screenings?

The risk of cancer increases with age. Breast, colon and cervical cancer screenings usually continue at least annually throughout your adult life. Colon screenings depend upon your risk factors and findings at your initial screening.

It is important to follow guidelines on cancer screenings. As we age, our cells accumulate more mutations, and we are exposed to more cancer-causing toxins. Early detection through cancer screenings requires regular, annual follow-ups. Though you may be able to treat a late-stage cancer, it’s simply easier to avoid it.

“We’re really making great progress with cancer survivorship,” Dr. Hanna said. “But there are some fundamental things that can reduce the likelihood that you will die of cancer. Those things are: Not smoking tobacco or chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, exercising regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, breathing clean air, managing weight and doing early cancer detection.”