Cancer Screenings: What You Need to Know

The most important aspect of maintaining good health is staying informed about preventive care measures. Cancer screenings are at the forefront of the battle against this devastating disease, offering individuals the opportunity to detect potential threats early and take proactive steps toward better health outcomes. However, misconceptions and uncertainties often shroud these life-saving procedures. Empower yourself with the insights you need to navigate the realm of cancer screenings and arm yourself with the tools to safeguard your health.

There are more than 2 million new cancer diagnoses and over 600,000 deaths from cancer a year. It is the second most common cause of death in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Preventive measures such as cancer screenings help detect issues early on when intervention has the highest efficacy rate. Despite the benefits of cancer screenings, many people forgo them for various reasons.

Does Health Insurance Cover Cancer Screenings?

According to a release by the Prevent Cancer Foundation®, 39% of survey participants did not know they needed to be screened, 37% of participants had “no symptoms” that would lead them to have a screening and 31% of participants cited the costs associated with screenings as the reason why they did not have them. The good news is that, while insurance coverage for cancer screenings depends on the health plan you are enrolled in, most plans are required to cover some cancer screening costs under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). You can call your health plan and ask to know what is covered as well as any out-of-pocket expenses that may be incurred from the tests beforehand.

Related: Addressing the Financial Concerns of Cancer Treatment

Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age

To ensure your health remains a top priority, cancer screenings are recommended based on age and gender.

Ages 21 to 29

• Breast Exams (Women): Routine clinical breast examinations help detect physical changes or abnormalities early.
• Cervical Cancer Screening (Women): Regular Pap tests are critical to detect precancerous cells and prevent cervical cancer development.

 Ages 30 to 39

• Breast Health (Women): Continue receiving regular clinical breast examinations from a healthcare provider.
• Cervical Cancer Monitoring (Women): Maintain scheduled cervical cancer screenings (Pap tests and/or HPV co-testing) as recommended by your physician.

Ages 40 to 49

• Breast Cancer Mammograms (Women): Continue clinical breast exams and speak with your doctor about your options to start annual screening mammograms.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening (All): Begin discussing colorectal (colon) cancer screenings with your physician, with guidelines recommending standard screening starts at age 45.
• Prostate Cancer Screening (Men): Around age 45, men—especially those at higher risk, such as African-American men or those with a family history—should consult their physician about prostate screenings.

Ages 50 to 64

• Colorectal, Breast, & Prostate Screenings (All): Routine colonoscopies or stool-based screenings, mammograms, and prostate exams should continue systematically.
• Lung Cancer Screening (High-Risk): Both men and women in this age bracket should seek out lung cancer testing—specifically a Low-Dose CT (LDCT) scan—especially if they have a history of smoking.

Ages 65 and up:

• Comprehensive Screening Maintenance (All): Continue regular screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancer based on your ongoing health profile.
• Medicare Coverage benefits: Note that many of these essential preventive screenings are covered by Medicare once you reach age 65.

Related: Men’s Health Month: Steps to Reduce Cancer Risks and Lead Healthier Lives

Keep in mind, however, that your physician may recommend certain cancer screenings earlier or more often if you are at higher risk. For example, while colon cancer is most seen in older individuals (aged 45 and up), if you have a high risk for this cancer or a family history of it, you may be asked to have colon cancer tests at a younger age or more frequently. To make sure you are receiving the right cancer screenings at the right time, talk with your physician and discuss the best plan for your unique health situation. Many cancers, if caught early, can be diagnosed and treated — drastically improving the likelihood of survival and success.

The Difference Between Cancer Screenings and Diagnostic Tests

Cancer screenings also include a variety of different types of cancer tests and are different from diagnostic testing. Interestingly enough, cancer screenings are not used to detect cancer; this is a common misconception that most people have about screenings. The main goal of screenings is to detect any present abnormalities that will lead to further cancer testing. A physical exam; lab tests such as blood, urine and tissue tests; imaging tests like x-rays; and genetic tests can all identify whether something abnormal may be present. Tests that identify cancer are called diagnostic tests, which include additional laboratory testing, imaging and biopsies that your physician will order.

Learning that you may have cancer is a frightening experience, and at first, you may question the validity of the results. How often are there false positives and false negatives? While cancer screenings and diagnostic tests are not always 100% accurate, there is a lower rate of false positives and false negatives thanks to the advancements in cancer testing as well as the precision used when analyzing samples. Physicians are meticulous in their duties and in reviewing test results. For this reason, physicians will often conduct additional testing to ensure the initial results were correct before beginning any treatments.

What Happens if an Initial Cancer Screening is Abnormal?

If the screening and diagnostic test report that cancer is present, your physician will refer you to a specialist, also known as an oncologist. An oncologist is a doctor who has been trained in diagnosing and treating cancer. You may even transition to an oncologist who has received training in and focuses on your specific type of cancer. Your oncologist will review your medical history, including your cancer screenings and other tests, to determine a treatment plan that is designed uniquely for you.

The Power of Early Detection: Take the First Step

Stopping cancer in its tracks and before it has had a chance to metastasize begins with a single step: having the recommended cancer screening at the right time in your life. Screenings offer the gift of early detection, allowing you to confront potential cancerous threats head-on and increase the chances of successful treatment.

Remember, knowledge is power. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Talk to a physician about personalizing your preventive care plan today. If you need specialized guidance, find an American Oncology Network Clinic Near You or contact our team to learn more about our patient-centric care services.