Recommended Cancer Screenings
Recommended screenings are crucial for early diagnosis of cancer as you age, helping to catch the disease in its earliest stages.
Cancer Screenings for Early Diagnosis
Cancer deaths have fallen 32% from its peak between 1991 and 2019.1 This increase is highly attributed not only to advancements in treatment and technology, but also to early detection. Learn more about the recommended screenings by age so if you develop cancer, you can catch it early.
Note: These recommendations are for patients at average risk of developing cancer and who are not exhibiting symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider about your individual risk factors, which screenings are appropriate for you, or if you have any concerning symptoms.
Select an age range to view the recommended cancer screenings below:
Ages 21 - 39 recommended cancer screenings
If you're 21 to 39, you should consider the following cancer screenings:
Women
Skin Cancer Screening
See your dermatologist yearly for a skin check. Perform regular self-checks in between visits.2
Cervical Cancer Screening
See your OBGYN annually and get a Pap smear every 3 years between the ages of 21 and 29. Beginning at age 30, you should continue to have a Pap smear performed every 3 years, plus HPV testing every 5 years, or an HPV and Pap smear combined test every 5 years.3
Breast Cancer Screening
Ask your OBGYN or primary care provider about doing a breast cancer screening or a formal risk assessment for breast cancer beginning at the age of 25.4
Men
Skin Cancer Screening
See your dermatologist yearly for a skin check. Perform regular self-checks in between visits.2
Ages 40 - 49 recommended cancer screenings
If you're 40 to 49, consider the following cancer screenings:
Women
Colon Cancer Screening
Talk to your doctor if you should be screened for colon cancer beginning at the age of 45. Discuss all your options, including a colonoscopy every 10 years, an annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT), or an annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test.5
Skin Cancer Screening
See your dermatologist yearly for a skin check. Perform regular self-checks in between visits.2
Cervical Cancer Screening
See your OBGYN annually and get a Pap smear every 3 years between the ages of 21 and 29. Beginning at age 30, you should continue to have a Pap smear performed every 3 years, plus HPV testing every 5 years, or an HPV and Pap smear combined test every 5 years.3
Breast Cancer Screening
Ask your OBGYN or primary care provider about doing a breast cancer screening or a formal risk assessment for breast cancer beginning at the age of 25.4
Men
Skin Cancer Screening
See your dermatologist yearly for a skin check. Perform regular self-checks in between visits.2
Colon Cancer Screening
Talk to your doctor if you should be screened for colon cancer beginning at the age of 45. Discuss all your options, including a colonoscopy every 10 years, an annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT), or an annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test.5
Prostate Cancer Screening
Talk to your physician if you have a family history of prostate cancer or other factors that may put you at high risk. Discuss the risks and benefits of undergoing periodic prostate antigen (PSA) screening tests.8
Ages 50 - 64 recommended cancer screenings
If you're between the ages of 50 to 64, you should consider these cancer screenings:
Women
Lung Cancer Screening
Get a lung cancer screening through a lowdose CT scan if you have a 20 pack-year history, currently smoke, or have quit smoking within the past 15 years. A pack-year is the number of packs smoked per day, multiplied by the number of years smoked. Discuss discontinuing screening with your physician if you have not smoked for 15 years.6
Colon Cancer Screening
Talk to your doctor if you should be screened for colon cancer beginning at the age of 45. Discuss all your options, including a colonoscopy every 10 years, an annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT), or an annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test.5
Skin Cancer Screening
See your dermatologist yearly for a skin check. Perform regular self-checks in between visits.2
Cervical Cancer Screening
See your OBGYN annually and get a Pap smear every 3 years between the ages of 21 and 29. Beginning at age 30, you should continue to have a Pap smear performed every 3 years, plus HPV testing every 5 years, or an HPV and Pap smear combined test every 5 years.3
Breast Cancer Screening
Ask your OBGYN or primary care provider about doing a breast cancer screening or a formal risk assessment for breast cancer beginning at the age of 25.4
Men
Lung Cancer Screening
Get a lung cancer screening through a lowdose CT scan if you have a 20 pack-year history, currently smoke, or have quit smoking within the past 15 years. A pack-year is the number of packs smoked per day, multiplied by the number of years smoked. Discuss discontinuing screening with your physician if you have not smoked for 15 years.6
Skin Cancer Screening
See your dermatologist yearly for a skin check. Perform regular self-checks in between visits.2
Colon Cancer Screening
Talk to your doctor if you should be screened for colon cancer beginning at the age of 45. Discuss all your options, including a colonoscopy every 10 years, an annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT), or an annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test.5
Prostate Cancer Screening
Talk to your physician if you have a family history of prostate cancer or other factors that may put you at high risk. Discuss the risks and benefits of undergoing periodic prostate antigen (PSA) screening tests.8
Ages 65 & above recommended cancer screenings
If you're 65 or older, the following cancer screenings are recommended for you and may be covered by insurance:
Women
Lung Cancer Screening
Get a lung cancer screening through a lowdose CT scan if you have a 20 pack-year history, currently smoke, or have quit smoking within the past 15 years. A pack-year is the number of packs smoked per day, multiplied by the number of years smoked. Discuss discontinuing screening with your physician if you have not smoked for 15 years.6
Colon Cancer Screening
Talk to your doctor if you should be screened for colon cancer beginning at the age of 45. Discuss all your options, including a colonoscopy every 10 years, an annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT), or an annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test.5
Skin Cancer Screening
See your dermatologist yearly for a skin check. Perform regular self-checks in between visits.2
Breast Cancer Screening
Ask your OBGYN or primary care provider about doing a breast cancer screening or a formal risk assessment for breast cancer beginning at the age of 25.4
Men
Lung Cancer Screening
Get a lung cancer screening through a lowdose CT scan if you have a 20 pack-year history, currently smoke, or have quit smoking within the past 15 years. A pack-year is the number of packs smoked per day, multiplied by the number of years smoked. Discuss discontinuing screening with your physician if you have not smoked for 15 years.6
Skin Cancer Screening
See your dermatologist yearly for a skin check. Perform regular self-checks in between visits.2
Colon Cancer Screening
Talk to your doctor if you should be screened for colon cancer beginning at the age of 45. Discuss all your options, including a colonoscopy every 10 years, an annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT), or an annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test.5
Prostate Cancer Screening
Talk to your physician if you have a family history of prostate cancer or other factors that may put you at high risk. Discuss the risks and benefits of undergoing periodic prostate antigen (PSA) screening tests.8
Cancer screenings can save your life
Cancer screenings play a crucial role in saving lives through early detection. By identifying cancer at its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable, screenings can significantly improve outcomes and increase survival rates. Regular screenings allow healthcare providers to catch abnormalities before they develop into more serious conditions. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—take proactive steps for your health today!
Learn more about the cancer conditions that should be screened regularly at the links below:
Your physician is your resource
Physicians are key resources for accessing cancer screenings, guiding patients to reputable facilities for timely tests. With their expertise in local options, they can recommend the best clinics for specific needs, simplifying the process. If you're considering screenings, ask your physician for location recommendations. SunState Medical Specialists physicians are based in Florida and are accepting new patients. Click here to find a physician close to home.

- American Cancer Society, Risk of Dying from Cancer Continues to Drop at an Accelerated Pace
- Skin Cancer Foundation, Annual Exams
- U.S. Preventative Services, Cervical Cancer: Screening
- The American Society of Breast Surgeons, Mammography.pdf
- U.S. Preventative Services, Colorectal Cancer: Screening
- U.S. Preventative Services, Lung Cancer: Screening
- CDC, Cancer Screening Tests
- U.S. Preventative Services, Prostate Cancer: Screening