Cancer screening tests are medical tests performed on people who do not yet have symptoms, to detect cancer at an early, more treatable stage. The type of screening test used depends on the type of cancer being screened for, as well as an individual’s age, sex, risk factors, and personal and family medical history.

Common Cancer Screening Tests

1. Breast Cancer

• Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast; recommended annually or biennially for women starting around age 40-50, depending on risk factors.

• MRI (in high-risk women): Often used in addition to mammography.

2. Cervical Cancer

• Pap Smear (Pap Test): Detects abnormal cervical cells.

• HPV Test: Screens for high-risk strains of human papillomavirus.

• Recommended: Every 3-5 years for women aged 21–65, depending on the test used and individual risk.

3. Colorectal Cancer

• Colonoscopy: Examines the entire colon and allows for removal of polyps.

• Stool tests: Includes fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

• CT Colonography: Virtual colonoscopy.

• Recommended: Start at age 45 for average-risk adults.

4. Lung Cancer

• Low-Dose CT Scan (LDCT): Recommended for adults aged 50–80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

5. Prostate Cancer

• PSA Blood Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen): Measures PSA levels in the blood; high levels may indicate cancer.

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): Sometimes used alongside PSA.

• Screening Decision: Usually individualized for men aged 50–69; earlier for those at higher risk (e.g., African American men or those with a family history).

6. Skin Cancer

• Skin Exams: Self-exams and clinical exams to detect suspicious moles or spots.

• Dermatoscopy: Used by dermatologists for closer examination.

• No formal guidelines: But regular checks are advised for high-risk individuals.

7. Ovarian Cancer

• No reliable general population screening: May involve transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood test in high-risk women (e.g., BRCA mutation carriers).

8. Pancreatic and Other Rare Cancers

• Screening may be available for individuals with a strong family history or genetic predisposition (e.g., BRCA, Lynch syndrome).

Key Considerations

• Screening is not diagnosis: Abnormal results require further testing.

• False positives/negatives: May lead to anxiety or missed diagnosis.

• Risks vs. benefits: Should be discussed with a healthcare provider.