Cancer screenings for women by age
The American Cancer Society shares that cancer deaths have fallen 32% from its peak between 1991 and 2019. This increase in length and quality of life is highly attributed not only to advancements in treatment and technology, but also to early detection. December 5-9 is National Cancer Screen Week and a perfect time for you to familiarize yourself with the recommended screenings for women.
Ages 21 to 39
- Skin cancer screening: See your dermatologist yearly for a skin check. Perform regular self-checks in between visits.1
- Cervical cancer screening: See your OBGYN annually and get a Pap smear every 3 years between the ages of 21 and 29. Beginning at age 30, you should continue to have a Pap smear performed every 3 years, plus HPV testing every 5 years, or an HPV and Pap smear combined test every 5 years.2
- Breast cancer screening: Ask your OBGYN or primary care provider about doing a formal risk assessment for breast cancer beginning at the age of 25.3
Ages 40 to 49
- Skin cancer screening: See your dermatologist yearly for a skin check. Perform regular self-checks in between visits.1
- Cervical cancer screening: See your OBGYN annually and get a Pap smear performed every 3 years, plus HPV testing every 5 years, or an HPV and Pap smear combined test every 5 years.2
- Breast cancer screening: Begin annual mammogram screenings at the age of 40.3
- Colon cancer screening: Talk to your doctor if you should be screened for colon cancer beginning at the age of 45. Discuss all your options, including a colonoscopy every 10 years, an annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT), or an annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test.4
Ages 50 to 64
- Skin cancer screening: See your dermatologist yearly for a skin check. Perform regular self-checks in between visits.1
- Cervical cancer screening: See your OBGYN annually and get a Pap smear performed every 3 years, plus HPV testing every 5 years, or an HPV and Pap smear combined test every 5 years.2
- Breast cancer screening: Continue annual screening mammograms.3
- Colon cancer screening: Talk to your doctor about which colon cancer screening options are appropriate for you. Options may include a colonoscopy every 10 years, an annual FIT test, or an annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test.4
- Lung cancer screening: Get a lung screening through a low-dose CT scan if you have a 20 pack-year history, currently smoke, or have quit smoking within the past 15 years. A pack-year is the number of packs smoked per day, multiplied by the number of years smoked. Discuss discontinuing screening with your physician if you have not smoked for 15 years.5
Ages 65 and above
- Skin cancer screening: See your dermatologist yearly for a skin check. Perform regular self-checks in between visits.1
- Breast cancer screening: Continue annual screenings with mammograms. At age 70, discuss when to consider discontinuing screening with your physician.3
- Colon cancer screening: Talk to your doctor about which colon cancer screening options are appropriate for you. Options may include a colonoscopy every 10 years, an annual FIT test, or an annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test. Talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of screening through the age of 85.4
- Lung cancer screening: Get a lung screening through a low-dose CT scan if you have a 20 pack-year history, currently smoke, or have quit smoking within the past 15 years. A pack-year is the number of packs smoked per day, multiplied by the number of years smoked. Discuss discontinuing screening with your physician if you have not smoked for 15 years or are over the age of 80.5
The above recommendations are for women at average risk of developing cancer. Cancer screenings are recommended for individuals that are asymptomatic, or not currently exhibiting symptoms. There is no current screening test for ovarian cancer.6 Talk to your healthcare provider about your individual risk factors, which screenings are appropriate for you, or if you have any concerning symptoms.
References
- https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams/
- https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/cervical-cancer-screening
- https://www.breastsurgeons.org/docs/statements/Position-Statement-on-Screening-Mammography.pdf
- https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening#tab1
- https://uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lung-cancer-screening
- https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/screening.htm
