Screening tests can help detect cancer in its early, most treatable stages, before you have signs and symptoms. They can even save your life. Which cancer tests do you need and when? Our age-by-age guide can help you decide. Remember to talk with your primary care provider too. WHICH ONES DO YOU NEED? AGE 21 TO 39 Cervical cancer. Begin screening at 21. Your options include an HPV test or Pap test. HPV testing checks for the HPV virus, which can cause cervical cancer. The Pap test checks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. Repeat HPV testing every five years, or have the Pap test every three years. AGE 40 TO 49 Cervical cancer. Continue with HPV testing every five years or a Pap test every three years. Colorectal cancer. At age 45, everyone should start screening. Several types of test options are available, and screening can detect and prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing polyps (precancerous growths) before they turn into cancer. Breast cancer. Women age 40 to 44 can choose to begin screening with mammography every year. And at age 45, all women should begin getting a mammogram yearly. Prostate cancer. At age 45, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of testing if you are at high risk for prostate cancer. Risk factors include being African American or Caribbean with African ancestry or having a close family member diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65. Check in with your primary care provider Cancer testing is individual. You may need to be screened earlier and more often. Make an appointment to talk to your primary care provider about a screening schedule that’s right for you. Common cancer SCREENINGS 4 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services
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