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What You Should Know About Cancer Screening
Cancer screening is the process of checking for cancer before you have symptoms. When cancer is found earlier, it is usually easier to treat. Cancer screening could be a physical screening, imaging, blood tests, or other lab tests.
Everyone does not need the same cancer screening. The right cancer screening for you depends on multiple factors, such as:
- Age
- Sex
- Family history
- Lifestyle habits (smoking, drinking alcohol, etc.)
- Exposures
Types of cancer screening
There are many different types of cancer screening. But it’s important to remember that not every type of cancer has a screening test. Some of the most common types of tests done to find cancer early are:
Mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast tissue. It is done to find early signs of breast cancer. People with an average risk of breast cancer should start getting mammograms at age 40. Most people can get a mammogram every other year until age 74. If you have certain genetic traits or a family history of breast cancer, you may need screening sooner.
Pap tests and HPV tests. Also known as a pap smear, pap tests are a test to find cervical cancer. HPV tests look for signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV). High-risk HPV can cause cervical cancer. During a pap test, cells are collected from the cervix and tested for abnormal changes. An HPV test can be done at the same time. For people with average risk, pap tests alone are recommended every 3 years starting at age 21. If you have an HPV test with a pap test, you can get tested every 5 years. The United States Preventive Task Force (USPTF) is currently reviewing these recommendations and they may change soon.
Colonoscopies. A colonoscopy is a test used to look for polyps or abnormal growths in the colon and rectum. Some polyps can become colorectal cancer over time if they are not removed. During the test, a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the colon. People at average risk are often recommended to begin screening at age 45, but some people may need screening earlier based on family history or other risk factors.
Blood tests. Some blood tests can help detect abnormal blood cell counts or markers linked to blood cancers. These tests may include a complete blood count (CBC) or other lab work ordered by a doctor. Blood tests alone cannot diagnose every type of cancer, but they can help identify signs that more testing may be needed.
Blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma present differently from solid tumor cancers. These cancers are often found through:
- Routine bloodwork,
- Evaluating symptoms like fatigue or infection
Low-dose CT scans. A low-dose CT scan is an imaging test used to look for early signs of lung cancer. It uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed pictures of the lungs. This test may be recommended for people with a history of heavy smoking or other risk factors for lung cancer. Screening recommendations vary based on age, smoking history, and overall health.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. A PSA test is a blood test used to look for signs of prostate cancer. It measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein made by the prostate gland. Higher PSA levels do not always mean cancer is present, but they may lead to additional testing. People should talk with their doctor about the benefits and risks of PSA testing and when screening may be appropriate for them.
Endometrial biopsy. An endometrial biopsy is a procedure used to collect a small sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus. It may be recommended for people with abnormal vaginal bleeding, spotting after menopause, or other symptoms linked to endometrial cancer. The tissue sample is examined for abnormal or cancerous cells.
Secondary cancer screening
Screening for cancer is different if you have had cancer before. Some people who have had cancer in the past have a higher risk of developing a different kind of cancer later. This is called a secondary cancer.
Secondary cancers can be more of a risk because of:
- Previous treatments like chemotherapy and radiation
- Long-term effects of the previous cancer
How Screening Guidelines are Decided
The way screening is conducted is based on large studies that look at how well a test works and whether it improves overall outcomes.
An organization may review data on
- How early cancer can be detected
- Whether early detection improves survival
- How often a screening test should occur
- Risks of screening tests
As new research becomes available, screening guidelines can change over time.
What cancer screening is not
Cancer screening is not a diagnosis. If you get an abnormal result, it does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. Additional testing is needed to confirm a cancer diagnosis.
False positives and false negatives
Screening tests are not perfect. Sometimes a result could be a false positive. This means that a test could suggest cancer is present when it is not. Similarly, a false negative means that a test does not detect cancer that is actually there. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and report any new or ongoing symptoms.
You know your body best. Let your doctor know if you notice unexplained changes like
weight loss, fatigue, and pain. Paying attention to subtle changes can be an important step in diagnosing blood cancer.
A few ways to keep track of your symptoms are:
Keep notes. You can use a journal or the notes app on your phone to write down how you are feeling each day.
Check at consistent times. You do not have to monitor everything constantly. Pick a time, first thing in the morning or before bed, to check in with yourself.
Take photos. You may have visible symptoms like rashes, swelling, or bruising. Take pictures when you first notice them and over time. This can help give your doctor a clear timeline of your symptoms.
Understanding follow-up care
If a screening test comes back abnormal, your doctor will recommend the next steps. It is important to follow through with these recommendations. Delaying follow-up can make it harder to reach a diagnosis.
Questions to ask after an abnormal result include:
- What does this result mean?
- What test comes next?
- How soon should I schedule the appointment?
Deciding whether to undergo cancer screening can feel overwhelming. However, having clear information can lead to early diagnosis, more timely treatment, and better outcomes overall.
HealthTree is committed to helping people navigate cancer every step of the way. Follow the link below to read more news like this.
Sources:
Cancer screening is the process of checking for cancer before you have symptoms. When cancer is found earlier, it is usually easier to treat. Cancer screening could be a physical screening, imaging, blood tests, or other lab tests.
Everyone does not need the same cancer screening. The right cancer screening for you depends on multiple factors, such as:
- Age
- Sex
- Family history
- Lifestyle habits (smoking, drinking alcohol, etc.)
- Exposures
Types of cancer screening
There are many different types of cancer screening. But it’s important to remember that not every type of cancer has a screening test. Some of the most common types of tests done to find cancer early are:
Mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast tissue. It is done to find early signs of breast cancer. People with an average risk of breast cancer should start getting mammograms at age 40. Most people can get a mammogram every other year until age 74. If you have certain genetic traits or a family history of breast cancer, you may need screening sooner.
Pap tests and HPV tests. Also known as a pap smear, pap tests are a test to find cervical cancer. HPV tests look for signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV). High-risk HPV can cause cervical cancer. During a pap test, cells are collected from the cervix and tested for abnormal changes. An HPV test can be done at the same time. For people with average risk, pap tests alone are recommended every 3 years starting at age 21. If you have an HPV test with a pap test, you can get tested every 5 years. The United States Preventive Task Force (USPTF) is currently reviewing these recommendations and they may change soon.
Colonoscopies. A colonoscopy is a test used to look for polyps or abnormal growths in the colon and rectum. Some polyps can become colorectal cancer over time if they are not removed. During the test, a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the colon. People at average risk are often recommended to begin screening at age 45, but some people may need screening earlier based on family history or other risk factors.
Blood tests. Some blood tests can help detect abnormal blood cell counts or markers linked to blood cancers. These tests may include a complete blood count (CBC) or other lab work ordered by a doctor. Blood tests alone cannot diagnose every type of cancer, but they can help identify signs that more testing may be needed.
Blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma present differently from solid tumor cancers. These cancers are often found through:
- Routine bloodwork,
- Evaluating symptoms like fatigue or infection
Low-dose CT scans. A low-dose CT scan is an imaging test used to look for early signs of lung cancer. It uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed pictures of the lungs. This test may be recommended for people with a history of heavy smoking or other risk factors for lung cancer. Screening recommendations vary based on age, smoking history, and overall health.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. A PSA test is a blood test used to look for signs of prostate cancer. It measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein made by the prostate gland. Higher PSA levels do not always mean cancer is present, but they may lead to additional testing. People should talk with their doctor about the benefits and risks of PSA testing and when screening may be appropriate for them.
Endometrial biopsy. An endometrial biopsy is a procedure used to collect a small sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus. It may be recommended for people with abnormal vaginal bleeding, spotting after menopause, or other symptoms linked to endometrial cancer. The tissue sample is examined for abnormal or cancerous cells.
Secondary cancer screening
Screening for cancer is different if you have had cancer before. Some people who have had cancer in the past have a higher risk of developing a different kind of cancer later. This is called a secondary cancer.
Secondary cancers can be more of a risk because of:
- Previous treatments like chemotherapy and radiation
- Long-term effects of the previous cancer
How Screening Guidelines are Decided
The way screening is conducted is based on large studies that look at how well a test works and whether it improves overall outcomes.
An organization may review data on
- How early cancer can be detected
- Whether early detection improves survival
- How often a screening test should occur
- Risks of screening tests
As new research becomes available, screening guidelines can change over time.
What cancer screening is not
Cancer screening is not a diagnosis. If you get an abnormal result, it does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. Additional testing is needed to confirm a cancer diagnosis.
False positives and false negatives
Screening tests are not perfect. Sometimes a result could be a false positive. This means that a test could suggest cancer is present when it is not. Similarly, a false negative means that a test does not detect cancer that is actually there. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and report any new or ongoing symptoms.
You know your body best. Let your doctor know if you notice unexplained changes like
weight loss, fatigue, and pain. Paying attention to subtle changes can be an important step in diagnosing blood cancer.
A few ways to keep track of your symptoms are:
Keep notes. You can use a journal or the notes app on your phone to write down how you are feeling each day.
Check at consistent times. You do not have to monitor everything constantly. Pick a time, first thing in the morning or before bed, to check in with yourself.
Take photos. You may have visible symptoms like rashes, swelling, or bruising. Take pictures when you first notice them and over time. This can help give your doctor a clear timeline of your symptoms.
Understanding follow-up care
If a screening test comes back abnormal, your doctor will recommend the next steps. It is important to follow through with these recommendations. Delaying follow-up can make it harder to reach a diagnosis.
Questions to ask after an abnormal result include:
- What does this result mean?
- What test comes next?
- How soon should I schedule the appointment?
Deciding whether to undergo cancer screening can feel overwhelming. However, having clear information can lead to early diagnosis, more timely treatment, and better outcomes overall.
HealthTree is committed to helping people navigate cancer every step of the way. Follow the link below to read more news like this.
Sources:
about the author
Bethany Howell
Bethany joined HealthTree in 2025. She is passionate about supporting patients and their care partners and improving access to quality care.
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