Cancer Screening Schedule (US)
| Screening | Age to Start | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Colorectal cancer (colonoscopy or FIT) | 45 | Colonoscopy every 10 years; FIT annually |
| Breast cancer (mammogram) | 40-50 (discuss with doctor) | Every 1-2 years |
| Cervical cancer (Pap/HPV test) | 21 | Every 3 years (Pap) or 5 years (HPV+Pap) from 30 |
| Lung cancer (low-dose CT) | 50-80 (if 20+ pack-year smoking history) | Annually |
| Prostate cancer (PSA) | No routine screening — individual decision 55-69 | Discuss with doctor |
Cardiovascular & Metabolic Screening
| Test | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Every visit; annual minimum from age 18 |
| Cholesterol | Every 4-6 years from age 20 (earlier if risk factors) |
| Diabetes (fasting glucose/HbA1c) | Every 3 years from age 35 (earlier if overweight + risk factors) |
| Abdominal aortic aneurysm (ultrasound) | One-time screening, men 65-75 who ever smoked |
Other Recommended Screenings
- Depression screening — all adults
- Osteoporosis (DEXA scan) — women 65+, or younger with risk factors
- HIV screening — all adults aged 15-65 at least once
- Hepatitis C screening — all adults 18-79 at least once
ACA Free Preventive CareUnder the Affordable Care Act, USPSTF Grade A and B recommended screenings must be covered by most insurance plans without copays or deductibles — check with your insurer, but many of these screenings should cost you nothing out of pocket.
Why did colon cancer screening age drop to 45?
Rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults led the USPSTF to lower the recommended starting age from 50 to 45 in 2021.
Is mammogram screening age 40 or 50?
Guidelines vary — USPSTF now recommends starting at 40 (updated from 50 in 2024), but the American Cancer Society and others have slightly different recommendations. Discuss your personal risk factors with your doctor.
Do I need PSA screening for prostate cancer?
There's no blanket recommendation — it's an individual decision to be made with your doctor, weighing the benefits (early cancer detection) against harms (overdiagnosis and treatment of low-risk cancers that may never cause problems).
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.