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Cancer Screening Guidelines

What Is a Health Screening?

Health screenings are a way to detect serious medical problems before they become costly and life-threatening. At CVMC we support the concept of screening for disease, encourage you to discuss appropriate screenings with your primary care provider.

Breast Cancer

The American Cancer Society guidelines for breast cancer screening are as follows:

  • Women aged 40-44: Have the option to start annual mammograms.
  • Women aged 45-54: Should get mammograms every year.
  • Women aged 55 and older: Can switch to mammograms every two years or continue yearly screening. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years.

These guidelines are for women at average risk for breast cancer. Women at higher risk may need to start screening earlier and may require additional tests like MRI or ultrasound.

Cervical Cancer

CVMC follows the USPSTF recommendations for cervical cancer screening:

  • Women aged 21 to 65 years: Every 3 years with cervical cytology alone in women aged 21 to 29 years.
  • For women aged 30 to 65 years: Every 3 years with cervical cytology alone, every 5 years with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing alone, or every 5 years with hrHPV testing in combination with cytology (cotesting).
  • Women who have had a hysterectomy: Screening is not recommended for cervical cancer in women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix and do not have a history of a high-grade precancerous lesion (ie, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] grade 2 or 3) or cervical cancer.
  • Women older than 65 years: Screening is not recommended for cervical cancer in women older than 65 years who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk for cervical cancer.

Colon and Rectal Cancer

The American Cancer Society guidelines for colon and rectal cancer screening are as follows:

  • Adults aged 45 and older: Should start regular screening. This can be done with either a stool-based test or a visual exam of the colon and rectum.
  • Ages 76-85: Screening decisions should be based on individual health, preferences, and prior screening history.
  • Over age 85: Screening is generally not recommended1Screening is generally not recommended.

These guidelines are for individuals at average risk. Those at higher risk, such as individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, certain genetic syndromes, or inflammatory bowel disease, may need to start screening.

Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer

The American Cancer Society guidelines for endometrial (uterine) cancer screening are as follows:

  • At the time of menopause: All women should be informed about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. They should be strongly encouraged to report any unexpected bleeding or spotting to their physicians.
  • Women with or at risk for Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC): Should be offered annual screening with an endometrial biopsy starting at age 35.

Currently, there is no recommendation for routine screening of asymptomatic women at average risk.

Lung Cancer

The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for lung cancer screening:

  • Ages 50-80: Yearly screening with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan is recommended for individuals who:
    • Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
    • Have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history (e.g., smoking 1 pack a day for 20 years or 2 packs a day for 10 years).

Before deciding to be screened, it’s important to discuss with a healthcare professional the purpose of screening, how it is done, and the benefits, limits, and possible harms. People who still smoke should be counseled about quitting and offered resources to help them.

Screening is not recommended for individuals with serious health problems that would limit their life expectancy or those who would not be able to undergo treatment if lung cancer is found.

Prostate Cancer

The American Cancer Society guidelines for prostate cancer screening are as follows:

  • Ages 50 and older: Men at average risk should have a discussion with their healthcare provider about the benefits, risks, and uncertainties of prostate cancer screening. This discussion should help them make an informed decision about whether to be screened.
  • Ages 45 and older: Men at high risk, including African American men and men with a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than 65), should have this discussion.
  • Ages 40 and older: Men at even higher risk, such as those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age, should also have this discussion.

Skin Cancer

The American Cancer Society emphasizes the importance of early detection and prevention for skin cancer. Here are the key guidelines:

Prevention

  • Avoid UV exposure: Limit exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and seek shade when the sun’s rays are strongest (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
  • Regular skin checks: Be aware of any new or changing moles, spots, or lesions on your skin. Perform regular self-examinations and report any changes to a healthcare provider promptly.

Screening

  • High-risk individuals: Those with a history of skin cancer, significant sun exposure, or other risk factors should have regular skin exams by a healthcare provider.
  • General population: Routine skin cancer screening for the general population is not universally recommended, but individuals should be vigilant about skin changes and consult a healthcare provider if they notice anything unusual.