What Cancer Screenings Do I Need?

Screening for cancer is an essential part of taking care of your health. Diagnosing cancer in its early stages, when most treatable, may increase the likelihood of survival. 

When should I start screening for cancer?

The United States Preventive Services Task Force sets cancer screening guidelines. Your doctor will discuss if those recommendations are suitable for you based on factors including: 

• Age
• Family history
• Signs and symptoms that may indicate cancer
• Preexisting medical conditions

How are cancer screenings done?

Cancer screenings vary by the type of cancer. Common ways to test for cancer include:

• Imaging tests
• Blood tests
• Genetic consultation and testing
• Tissue sampling

What are common cancer screenings?

Common screenings include the following.

Breast cancer. Screening for breast cancer may include:

• Mammogram
• Breast ultrasound
• Genetic testing
• Self-examination 

Learn more about when to schedule a mammogram.

Prostate cancer. Screening for prostate cancer may include:

• Digital rectal examination
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
• Genetic testing

Learn more about PSA levels.

Colorectal cancer. Screening for prostate cancer may include:

• Endoscopy
• Colonoscopy 
• At-home stool test
• Genetic testing

Learn more about preparing for a colonoscopy.

Lung cancer. Screening for lung cancer may include:

• Low-dose computed tomography (CT) 
• Genetic testing

Learn more about lung cancer screenings.

Skin cancer. Screening for skin cancer may include:

• Full body scan 
• Biopsy 
• Self-examination 

Learn more about skin cancer.

Oral cancer. Screening for oral cancer may include:

• A routine checkup at the dentist
• A routine checkup at a primary care visit 

How do you screen for other cancers?

Not all cancers have screenings. For example, there are no screening tests for ovarian cancer. However, your doctor can order a CA-125 assay blood test and recommend genetic testing. Pancreatic cancer does not have a single screening test, but your doctor may recommend a blood test, imaging test and genetic testing.