It’s easy to put off routine health checks, especially when life gets busy or when the idea of “bad news” feels too overwhelming to face. But when it comes to cancer, early detection is often the difference between a curable condition and a much tougher fight. That’s where cancer screenings come in, and why understanding what’s recommended, and when, is so important.

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the U.S., yet screenings have the power to change that. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancers found early, when they’re most treatable, can lead to significantly higher survival rates. Unfortunately, many people skip routine screenings due to fear, misinformation or lack of access.

According to Faith Selchick, DNP, an oncology-certified nurse practitioner at WMCHealth, several cancer screenings are backed by strong clinical evidence and recommended by the American Cancer Society (ACS):

• Breast Cancer: The ACS recommends that women aged 45 to 54 with average risk get mammograms every year. Women aged 55 and older can switch to mammograms every two years or continue yearly screening. Women aged 40 to 44 can start annual screening if they wish. Screening should continue if a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years. ​
• Colorectal Cancer: Regular screening is recommended for average-risk adults aged 45 and older. This can be done with stool-based tests or visual exams like colonoscopy, depending on personal preferences and test availability. All positive results on non-colonoscopy screening tests should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy. ​
• Cervical Cancer: Screening should begin at age 25. The preferred method is a primary HPV test every 5 years. If primary HPV testing isn’t available, a co-test (HPV test combined with a Pap test) every 5 years or a Pap test alone every 3 years is acceptable.
• Prostate Cancer: Men should discuss the potential benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with their healthcare provider. For those who choose to be tested, the frequency of screening depends on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and individual risk factors.
• Lung Cancer: Annual screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. 

“Knowing when to start and how often to screen depends on your age, family history and other risk factors,” Selchick explains. “That’s why conversations with your primary care provider are so important.”

While promising new tools like blood-based “liquid biopsies” and full-body scans are making headlines, many of these are still unproven for routine screening. “There’s a lot of information out there, and not all of it is backed by scientific data yet,” Selchick cautions.

Screenings are helpful in detecting cancer precursors, which can prompt early action to stop cancer before it starts. For example, colonoscopies can remove pre-cancerous polyps, and Pap tests can detect early changes in cervical cells before they become invasive cancer. Selchick also encourages people to think beyond tests: “Using sunscreen and maintaining a healthy weight are two simple but powerful steps to reduce your cancer risk.”

Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Knowing your body, being proactive and staying up to date with recommended screenings can save your life.

To make an appointment with a WMCHealth specialist or schedule a screening, call 914.493.7000.