Cancer screening tests are designed to detect cancer or precancerous changes before symptoms develop. Finding certain cancers early often makes treatment more effective and may improve outcomes.
Not everyone needs every screening, however. Recommendations depend on your age, sex assigned at birth, personal medical history, family history, and other risk factors.
For adults at average risk, the most commonly recommended cancer screening tests include cervical cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, breast cancer screening, and lung cancer screening for certain people with a significant smoking history. Your healthcare provider may recommend earlier or additional screening based on your individual risk.
Why are cancer screening tests important?
Cancer often develops without causing symptoms in its earliest stages.
Screening tests can sometimes detect:
- Precancerous changes that can be treated before cancer develops
- Early-stage cancers
- Small cancers that are easier to treat
Not every cancer has an effective screening test, and screening isn’t appropriate for everyone.
Healthcare organizations carefully balance the benefits of early detection with the potential risks of false positives, unnecessary procedures, and overdiagnosis.
Who decides which screenings are recommended?
Several organizations regularly review scientific evidence and publish screening recommendations.
These include:
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
- American Cancer Society (ACS)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Recommendations occasionally change as new research becomes available.
The information below reflects current guidance for adults at average risk.
If you have a strong family history of cancer, certain genetic conditions, or other risk factors, your provider may recommend a different screening schedule.
Cervical cancer screening
Who should be screened?
People with a cervix between ages 21 and 65, depending on age and screening method.
Which tests are used?
Screening may include:
- Pap test (Pap smear)
- HPV test
- A combination of both
The exact schedule depends on your age and the test being performed.
The USPSTF provides updated recommendations for cervical cancer screening based on age and testing method.
Colorectal cancer screening
Who should be screened?
Adults at average risk beginning at age 45.
Which tests are available?
Several screening options exist, including:
- Colonoscopy
- Stool-based tests
- Stool DNA tests
- CT colonography
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy remains one of the most comprehensive screening methods because it allows doctors to remove certain precancerous polyps during the same procedure.
Your provider can help determine which option best fits your health history and preferences.
Breast cancer screening
Who should be screened?
The USPSTF currently recommends biennial mammograms beginning at age 40 for women at average risk through age 74.
Some people with higher-than-average risk may begin screening earlier or undergo additional imaging.
Which test is used?
A mammogram is the primary screening test.
Your healthcare provider can help determine the right screening schedule if you have:
- A strong family history of breast cancer
- BRCA gene mutations
- Previous chest radiation
- Other significant risk factors
Lung cancer screening
Who should be screened?
Annual low-dose CT scans are recommended only for certain adults who:
- Are between ages 50 and 80
- Have at least a 20-pack-year smoking history
- Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
Lung cancer screening is not recommended for most people who have never smoked.
What about prostate cancer screening?
Prostate cancer screening differs because recommendations emphasize shared decision-making.
For many men between ages 55 and 69, deciding whether to have PSA screening involves discussing both potential benefits and possible risks with a healthcare provider.
The best decision depends on personal preferences, family history, and overall health.
What about skin cancer screening?
There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend routine whole-body skin cancer screening for every adult without symptoms.
However, it’s still important to:
- Watch for changing moles
- Protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation
- Report concerning skin changes to a healthcare provider
If you notice a suspicious mole or skin lesion, schedule an appointment promptly rather than waiting for your next routine physical.
What if cancer runs in your family?
Average-risk screening recommendations don’t apply to everyone.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you have:
- Multiple relatives with the same cancer
- Cancer diagnosed at unusually young ages
- Known genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Previous cancer diagnosis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Other inherited cancer syndromes
Earlier or more frequent screening may be recommended.
How can you keep up with screening?
It can be difficult to remember when each screening is due.
Helpful strategies include:
- Scheduling your next appointment before leaving the office
- Using your patient portal
- Setting calendar reminders
- Keeping up with annual primary care visits
Your primary care provider can review which screenings are appropriate during routine preventive visits.
How can Zocdoc help?
Zocdoc makes it easy to find in-network primary care providers, OB-GYNs, gastroenterologists, radiology centers, dermatologists, and other specialists who provide preventive cancer screening.
You can compare verified patient reviews, filter by insurance, and book appointments online.
The bottom line
Cancer screening tests save lives by helping detect certain cancers before symptoms develop.
The right screening schedule depends on your age, personal health history, family history, and individual risk factors.
Keeping up with recommended screenings is one of the most effective ways to protect your long-term health.
If you’re unsure which screenings are appropriate for you, your primary care provider can help create a personalized preventive care plan.
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Frequently asked questions
What cancer screening tests should adults get?
Common screening tests for average-risk adults include cervical cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, breast cancer screening, and lung cancer screening for eligible current and former smokers.
At what age should cancer screening begin?
It depends on the type of cancer. For example, cervical cancer screening generally begins at age 21, colorectal screening at age 45, and breast cancer screening at age 40 for average-risk women under current USPSTF guidance.
Are cancer screening tests covered by insurance?
Many preventive cancer screening tests are covered by insurance under the Affordable Care Act when provided according to current recommendations. Coverage may vary based on your insurance plan and individual circumstances.
What if cancer runs in my family?
People with significant family histories or inherited cancer syndromes may need earlier or more frequent screening. Discuss your personal risk with your healthcare provider.
Do I need every cancer screening?
No. Screening recommendations vary depending on your age, sex assigned at birth, medical history, family history, and individual risk factors.
The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as medical advice. It is not intended as, and Zocdoc does not provide, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Zocdoc does not recommend any specific provider. Find one you’ll love on Zocdoc today.