Deciphering Cancer Screening: What You Need to Know

Understanding the right time to undergo cancer screenings can be a life-saving decision. Recent updates by medical groups have adjusted the recommended ages for various cancer screenings, reflecting a rise in cancer rates among younger populations. The American Cancer Society's latest report indicates an increase in the incidence of cancers such as breast, colorectal, prostate, and HPV-related oral cancers, especially in individuals under 50.

However, cancer screenings are not without their challenges. They can sometimes lead to false positives, causing unnecessary anxiety. The frequency and starting age for these screenings can vary based on individual risk factors and family history. High-risk individuals may need to start screenings earlier.

Dr. William Dahut of the American Cancer Society emphasizes the importance of early assessment of cancer risks, ideally starting in one's 20s, to determine if screenings in the 30s are necessary.

Breast Cancer Screening: What's the Current Recommendation?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests women of average risk begin mammograms at age 40, with screenings every other year. However, opinions vary, with some advocating for annual screenings. The task force advises discontinuing mammograms at age 75, as the benefits may no longer outweigh the risks for older adults.

Particularly for women with dense breasts, additional screenings like ultrasounds or MRIs may be recommended, though these are not universally covered by insurance.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: When to Start?

For colorectal cancer, screenings should start at age 45, a decrease from the previous starting age of 50. The frequency of screenings varies based on the type of test, with stool tests recommended every one to three years and colonoscopies every 10 years. Screening should continue until age 75, after which it becomes a personal decision with your doctor.

Other Cancer Screenings

Annual low-dose CT scans are advised for adults aged 50-80 with a significant smoking history. Prostate cancer screenings, through the PSA test, are currently recommended as an individual choice for men aged 55 to 69. Women are advised to undergo cervical cancer screenings with a Pap smear every three years from ages 21 to 65, with the option of HPV testing every five years starting at age 30.

The Galleri test, introduced in June 2021, is a blood test that screens for over 50 types of cancer but is yet to receive FDA clearance and is not widely recommended or covered by insurance.

Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk

About 5% to 10% of cancers are believed to be hereditary. Conditions like Lynch Syndrome or BRCA mutations significantly increase cancer risks. Genetic testing is recommended for individuals with a strong family history of cancer, multiple cancers in a family member, or known genetic mutations. People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are also advised to consider genetic testing.

Genetic testing can be done through a doctor's office, often covered by insurance, or via at-home test kits, which may only test for limited mutations.