Regular health screenings play a crucial role in the early detection of cancer. The following chart provides cancer screening guidelines based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Society, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and American Cancer Society recommendations as of Q1 2025.

Recommended Screenings

Screening Type Recommendation
Breast cancer
  • Ages 40-44: Patient may choose annual screening.
  • Ages 45-54: Annual screenings are recommended.
  • Ages 55+: May screen annually or bi-annually.
Cervical cancer
  • Ages 21-29: Pap smear recommended every three years.
  • Ages 30-65: Pap smear and a HPV test are recommended every five years.
  • Ages 65+: No testing required if a cervical test was done in the past 10 years or if the cervix was removed.
Colon and rectal cancer
  • Ages 45-75: Screening is recommended for men and women at an average risk.
  • Ages 76-85: Discuss continued screening with health care provider.
  • Ages 85+: Screening is not recommended.
Lung cancer
  • Ages 50-80: Annual screenings for those with 20-pack-year* smoking history who currently smoke or quit in the past 15 years.
  • *20 pack-year history: Smoking one pack/day for 20 years or two packs/day for 10 years.
  • Ages 85+: Screening is not recommended.
Osteoporosis
  • Women: Bone density testing is encouraged for ages 65 and up.
  • Men: Routine screening not recommended due to insufficient evidence.
Prostate cancer
  • Ages 50+: Discuss screening risks and benefits with a provider. African American men and those with a family history should start at 45. Testing frequency depends on PSA results.