Cancer screening tests find cancer in the body before a person has any symptoms. Screening for cancer does not necessarily mean a person has or will develop cancer.
It can help find cancer early if done routinely, which makes it easier to treat or cure before it has spread to other parts of the body. Different cancer screening tests include physical exams, laboratory tests, imaging procedures, genetic tests, and patient histories source.
There are many barriers to cancer screening access, including time, transportation, and cost source. The information below on cancer screenings and recommended guidelines is not meant to replace conversations with medical providers, but rather enhance them and help close information gaps before even stepping into a medical facility. Recommendations for cancer screenings depend on your age, family history , and other risk factors. The most common source for these guidelines is the U.
We will be referring to USPSTF recommended guidelines throughout this toolkit, since they determine what procedures insurers will cover. This could be due to insufficient evidence of the health benefits of these screenings or concern about overdiagnosis. However, additional cancer screenings for oropharyngeal head and neck , prostate, anal, and skin cancers are available and may be recommended by your healthcare provider and beneficial based on age, family history, or other factors.
Early detection is especially important for cancers that currently do not have routine screening guidelines like ovarian cancer. Ruling out these types of cancers is still an important part of prevention. Keep these screening options in mind during your next appointment.
