Cancer Screenings: Why They Matter and How They Can Save Your Life

Cancer Screenings: Why They Matter and How They Can Save Your Life

In 2024, it is estimated that there will be over 2 million new cancer diagnoses. Cancer screenings are essential tools in detecting cancer early, often before symptoms even appear. Early detection can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and survival. Despite the proven benefits of cancer screenings, many people still skip or delay them, either due to fear, lack of awareness, or a simple misunderstanding of their importance.

In this blog article, I’ll explain why cancer screenings are so important, highlight common screening tests for different types of cancer, and provide some guidance on when you should start getting screened and how often.

Why Are Cancer Screenings Important?

Cancer screenings are medical tests that can detect cancer or precancerous conditions in people who show no symptoms. The goal of these screenings is to identify cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. Early-stage cancers are typically smaller and localized, meaning they haven’t spread to other parts of the body. This allows for a greater number of treatment options and a higher chance of successful outcomes.

In fact, studies show that regular screenings can reduce the risk of death from certain types of cancer. For example, breast cancer screenings (like mammograms) and colorectal cancer screenings (such as colonoscopies) have been shown to significantly decrease mortality rates by catching cancer early, when it’s more treatable.

It’s important to note, however, that not all cancers have reliable screening tests, and some cancers may not show up on screenings until they have already spread. That’s why it's critical to maintain open communication with your primary care doctor about your personal risk factors and whether you should be getting screened for certain cancers.

Common Cancer Screenings

1. Breast Cancer: Mammograms

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and for women, regular mammograms are a cornerstone of early detection. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect early signs of breast cancer, such as microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium that can indicate cancerous changes).

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women between 40 and 44 with an average risk of breast cancer have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year. Starting at age 45 until 54, women should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years. Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may need to begin screenings earlier and possibly undergo additional tests like breast MRIs.

Research has not shown a clear benefit of regular physical breast exams done by your doctor (clinical breast exam) or by yourself (breast self-exams). The ACS notes that there is very little evidence that these tests help find breast cancer early when women also get screening mammograms. Women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel, and should report any changes to their doctor right away. While the ACS does not recommend regular clinical breast exams or breast self-exams as part of a routine breast cancer screening, there are some situations, particularly for women at higher-than-average risk where it may be offered.

2. Cervical Cancer: Pap Smears and HPV Testing

Cervical cancer is another preventable cancer thanks to effective screening methods. The Pap smear (or Pap test) is a routine test used to screen for abnormal cells in the cervix, which could develop into cervical cancer. In addition to the Pap test, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing may be used to screen for the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends that women age 21 to 29 should have a Pap test alone every 3 years. HPV testing alone can be considered for women age 25 to 29, but Pap tests are preferred.

Women age 30 to 65 have three options for testing.

• Both a Pap test AND an HPV test every 5 years

• A Pap test alone every 3 years

• HPV testing alone every 5 years

Women age 65 and older can stop screening if they have never had abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer, AND they’ve had two or three negative screening tests in a row, depending on the type of test.

The American Cancer Society has slightly different recommendations for cervical cancer screening. They recommend that screening should begin at age 25, and from age 25 to 65 should have a primary HPV test every 5 years. If primary HPV testing is not available, screening may be done with either a co-test that combines an HPV test with a Pap test every 5 years, or a Pap test alone every 3 years. Those over age 65 who have had regular screening in the past 10 years with normal results and no history of CIN2 (a finding from a cervical biopsy that indicates abnormal cells) or more serious diagnosis within the past 25 years should stop cervical cancer screening.

3. Colorectal Cancer: Colonoscopy and Fecal Tests

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., but it is also one of the most preventable cancers when detected early. The gold standard for colorectal cancer screening is a colonoscopy, in which a doctor uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the colon for signs of cancer or precancerous polyps (growths that can turn into cancer).

The ACS recommends that people with average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.

People who are in good health and have a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through age 75.

For people age 76 through 85, the decision to be screened should be based on their own preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history.

People over age 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.

There are several testing options available:

Visual screening exams

• Colonoscopy every 10 years

• CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years

• Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years  

  Stool-based tests

• Highly sensitive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year

• Highly sensitive guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) every year

• Multi-targeted stool DNA test with fecal immunochemical testing (MT-sDNA or sDNA-FIT or FIT-DNA)) every 3 years

Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier or undergo more frequent tests.

4. Lung Cancer: Low-Dose CT Scan

Lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, but for high-risk individuals, a low-dose CT scan can detect early signs of the disease. This test uses X-rays to create detailed images of the lungs and is primarily recommended for those with a history of heavy smoking.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a history of smoking 20 pack-years or more (meaning one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years) and currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years.

5. Prostate Cancer: PSA Test

Prostate cancer is another common cancer in men, but the decision to get screened can be complex. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test measures the level of PSA in the blood, which can be elevated in men with prostate cancer. However, the test is not always accurate—elevated PSA levels can also occur in non-cancerous conditions like benign prostate enlargement or prostatitis.

The American Urological Association recommends that clinicians may begin prostate cancer screening and offer a baseline PSA test to people between ages 45 to 50 years old. Starting at age 50, clinicians should offer regular prostate cancer screening every 2 to 4 years to people aged 50 to 69 years. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) does not recommend prostate cancer screening using a PSA test for men aged 70 and older.

Men at higher risk (such as those with a family history of prostate cancer) may choose to start screening earlier.

When Should You Start Screening?

The appropriate age to begin cancer screening depends on your personal risk factors. The general guidelines above are for individuals at average risk, but many factors may affect your need for early or more frequent screenings, such as:

• Family history: A family history of certain cancers (breast, colorectal, ovarian, etc.) may warrant earlier or more frequent screenings.

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, or obesity may increase the risk of certain cancers, like lung and colorectal cancer.

• Genetic factors: Some people may inherit genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 for breast cancer) that put them at higher risk.

Why Some People Avoid Cancer Screenings

Many people delay or avoid cancer screenings for various reasons:

• Fear: The thought of cancer or the procedure itself can be frightening.

• Lack of symptoms: Some people feel healthy and assume they don’t need screenings.

• Cost: The cost of screenings may deter some people, although many insurance plans now cover them.

• Unaware: Some individuals may not fully understand the importance of early detection or the benefits of screenings.

Final Thoughts

Cancer screenings are one of the most powerful tools in preventing cancer-related deaths. Early detection improves survival rates and allows for more effective treatment options. Your primary care doctor can guide you in making informed decisions about which screenings are right for you, based on your age, risk factors, and personal health goals.

Florida Direct Primary Care

At Florida Direct Primary Care, our practice is dedicated to preserving your good health and enhancing your daily life through physical well-being. While we’re here to address your immediate health concerns, we also prioritize proactive healthcare to prevent issues before they arise. If you’re in the St. Augustine area and looking for a primary care doctor, sports medicine or obesity medicine doctor, contact us to learn more about the practice. Visit FloridaDPC.com, email us at info@FloridaDPC.com, or call 904-650-2882.

This web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating individual health problems or diseases. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.

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