Cancer Screening

Cancer screening is the process of testing people who do not have any symptoms of cancer. The goal of cancer screening is to find cancer early, when it is more likely to be treated successfully. Many different types of cancer screening tests are available, and the type of test that is right for you will depend on your age, sex, and other factors.

Who Should Get Cancer Screening?

The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults over the age of 50 get screened for colorectal cancer. Women aged 40 and older should get mammograms to screen for breast cancer. Men aged 50 and older should get prostate cancer screenings. Other cancer screening tests, such as lung cancer screening and cervical cancer screening, may be recommended for certain people at high risk for these cancers.

Benefits of Cancer Screening

Cancer screening has many benefits. Early detection of cancer can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes. Screening can also help to reduce the risk of dying from cancer.

Risks of Cancer Screening

Cancer screening tests are not perfect. There is a small chance that a screening test will find cancer that is not actually present. This is called a false positive. False positives can lead to unnecessary anxiety and medical procedures. Screening tests can also miss cancer that is actually present. This is called a false negative. False negatives can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, which can make it harder to treat the cancer successfully.

How to Find Cancer Screening Services

There are many places where you can get cancer screening services. You can get screened at your doctor's office, a community health center, or a hospital. Some employers also offer cancer screening services to their employees.

Costs of Cancer Screening