Cancer screeningsare designed to find cancer early when it’s treatable and curable. Cancer screenings are based on the identified type of cancer, gender, age, andrisk factors.

Cancer PreventionLiving a healthy lifestyle helps prevent cancer. For example, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, exercising, and refraining from smoking and drinking help prevent cancer.

Cancer Prevention

Living a healthy lifestyle helps prevent cancer. For example, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, exercising, and refraining from smoking and drinking help prevent cancer.

Cancer Screenings for Females

Cancer screenings for females begin around 25 years old, and specific recommendations depend on your age.

Ages 25-39 Screening Recommendations

Ages 40-49 Screening Recommendations

Ages 50+ Screening Recommendations

Cancer Screenings for Males

Below are screening recommendations for men, which can start around age 25.

Other ScreeningsIn addition to having regular skin exams, other cancer screenings to consider are:Alpha-fetoproteinblood test for liver cancerCA-125blood test for ovarian cancerMulti-cancer early detection tests(MCED)

Other Screenings

In addition to having regular skin exams, other cancer screenings to consider are:Alpha-fetoproteinblood test for liver cancerCA-125blood test for ovarian cancerMulti-cancer early detection tests(MCED)

In addition to having regular skin exams, other cancer screenings to consider are:

How Much Do Cancer Screenings Cost?

Some insurance companies will cover cancer screenings. Call your insurance company and ask what tests they cover, how much out-of-pocket cost there may be, and if you need to go to a specific healthcare organization or specialist.

What If I Can’t Afford Cancer Screenings?If you do not have health insurance or cancer screenings are not covered under your plan, contact your local health department to find organizations that may provide free cancer screenings in your area. Health fairs are another way to get a free screening.

What If I Can’t Afford Cancer Screenings?

If you do not have health insurance or cancer screenings are not covered under your plan, contact your local health department to find organizations that may provide free cancer screenings in your area. Health fairs are another way to get a free screening.

How to Prepare

Here is how you prepare for cancer screenings:

If results are normal you will likely receive a letter in the mail; if they are suspicious of cancer, your healthcare provider or nurse will call you

How to Schedule a Cancer ScreeningYou will need an order or referral from a healthcare provider to receive most cancer screenings. A healthcare provider can help set you up with testing.

How to Schedule a Cancer Screening

You will need an order or referral from a healthcare provider to receive most cancer screenings. A healthcare provider can help set you up with testing.

Summary

Cancer screenings help find cancer early, leading to better health outcomes. The cancer screenings you need depend on your gender, age, and risk factors. Many insurance plans pay for preventive cancer screening. If you don’t have health insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover cancer screening, call your local health department to find free cancer screenings near you.

A Word From Verywell

Receiving cancer screenings can make some people nervous because they are unsure of what will be discovered. While you may be scared to find out if you have cancer, studies show that finding cancer sooner improves your chances of being cured.It’s never too late to receive cancer screenings. Call a healthcare provider to discuss which tests are best for you.

10 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Choi JW, Hua TNM.Impact of lifestyle behaviors on cancer risk and prevention.J Lifestyle Med. 2021;11(1):1-7.  doi:10.15280/jlm.2021.11.1.1

National Cancer Institute.Screening tests.

Breastcancer.org.Why can’t I wear deodorant to my mammogram?

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Pap test.

American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening tests.

Fight Colorectal Cancer.Colonoscopy prep: 9 expert tips for the night before.

American Cancer Society.Screening tests for prostate cancer.

Loud JT, Murphy J.Cancer screening and early detection in the 21st century.Seminars in Oncology Nursing. 2017;33(2):121-128. doi:10.1016/j.soncn.2017.02.002

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