Cancer Screenings: Unlock the Power of Detection and Prevention

Content medically reviewed by Bassim Kobrossy, MD

Early detection can make a big difference when it comes to cancer. For some types of cancer, screening can help healthcare providers make a diagnosis before it can spread to other parts of the body. That’s why knowing which cancer screenings you should get—and when—is so important.

“Screening means having a test to check for cancer before any symptoms appear. In many cases, the earlier we find cancer, the easier it is to treat,” said Dr. Bassim Kobrossy, oncologist and hematologist at Essentia Health. “This is because more treatment options are available when cancer is in early stages. Outcomes also improve when cancer is treated early. Keeping up with regular screenings is an important way you can help protect your health.”

What Cancers Can Screenings Find Early?

Currently, screening tests can detect breast, colorectal, cervical, and lung cancers early. Research shows outcomes for these cancers improve when they are found at early stages. For example, mammograms can reduce breast cancer deaths by more than 40%, and deaths from cervical cancer have dropped by more than 50% in the last 40 years, largely due to screening.

Some screenings, such as colorectal and cervical cancer screenings, can also help prevent cancer. This is because the tests can not only find cancer early but also detect precancerous cells or tissue, which can be removed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 30% to 50% of all cancers diagnosed could be prevented by getting recommended screenings and vaccinations along with lowering risk factors. For example, staying at a healthy weight and reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and other carcinogens can lower your risk.

So how do you know which screenings you need and when to get them?

“Your primary care provider can help you keep track of when you are due for certain screenings,” Kobrossy said. “Your age, sex, and other risk factors all determine which tests you should receive and when they should be done. Your provider can also talk to you about any concerns you have about screening and help you make an appointment.”

Breast Cancer Screening

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), if you are at average risk of breast cancer, you should begin getting regular mammograms at age 40. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can show cancer before it can be felt or cause symptoms.

“We recommend getting a mammogram every year,” Kobrossy said. “This helps your provider recognize changes in your breasts and determine whether any additional testing is necessary.”

If you are at higher risk due to factors such as a family history of breast cancer, your provider may recommend beginning screening earlier. They may also suggest additional testing as part of Essentia Health’s High-Risk Breast Cancer Program.

Cervical Cancer Screening

The USPSTF recommends all women begin screening for cervical cancer at age 21. Screening tests, which are done during a pelvic exam, include -

• Pap test: This test removes cells from the surface of the cervix and the surrounding area to check for cancerous or precancerous cells.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) test: This tests cells for HPV infection. High-risk types of HPV cause almost all cases of cervical cancer.
• Pap and HPV co-test: This checks for both HPV and cervical cell changes.

If you are 21 to 29 years old, you should get a Pap test and repeat every three years if results are normal. Between 30 and 65 years old, talk with your provider about which type of testing is right for you and how often to repeat it.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

This type of screening tests for colon and rectal cancers as well as polyps. Some polyps are precancerous, which means they can develop into cancer if not removed. When a provider finds a polyp during a colonoscopy, they can remove it right away. This helps stop cancer before it starts.

The USPSTF recommends people at average risk begin screening at age 45. If you are at increased risk for this type of cancer, your provider may suggest starting earlier. Risk factors include having inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colorectal cancer.

A procedure called a colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for screening. This test identifies approximately 95% of colorectal cancers. It is also the only test that includes removing polyps. A gastroenterologist inserts a flexible tube with a camera into the rectum to examine the colon. If results are normal, the test should be repeated in 10 years.

If you’re not ready for a colonoscopy, stool tests are available and can be completed every one to three years, depending on the type. A positive result will result in a colonoscopy for further evaluation.

Lung Cancer Screening

The USPSTF suggests yearly screening for lung cancer if you –

• Have a 20 pack-year or more history of smoking (a pack-year is an average of smoking one pack of cigarettes every day for one year)
• Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
• Are between 50 and 80 years old

Lung cancer screening involves getting a low-dose CT scan, which creates detailed pictures using a low dose of radiation. CT scans can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages, greatly improving outcomes and making it easier to treat.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Some men may benefit from screening for prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, men at average risk for prostate cancer should begin talking to their provider at age 50 to determine whether to begin screening. If you are at high risk, your provider might recommend screening beginning at age 40.

However, prostate cancer screening may not be right for everyone, due to possible risks. These include false-positive results and overdiagnosis, which means finding a cancer that would not have caused problems. This can lead to unnecessary treatment.

Your provider can help you determine whether prostate cancer screening is right for you. Screening usually involves a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Elevated levels of PSA can indicate prostate cancer. However, other factors can also affect PSA and lead to abnormal results. A biopsy is needed to make a diagnosis of prostate cancer.