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Cancer Screenings by Decade: What to Know at Every Age

When it comes to protecting your health, preventive cancer screenings are one of the most powerful tools available. But knowing **which screenings to get—and when—**can be confusing. Guidelines change depending on your age, sex, family history, and lifestyle factors.


To make things simpler, we’ve broken down the most commonly recommended cancer screenings by age. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 70s, staying informed can help you catch problems early—or prevent them entirely.

In Your 20s and 30s

You may not think about cancer much in your 20s and 30s, but early prevention starts now.

  • Cervical Cancer Screening Age: Women should begin Pap tests at age 21, continuing every 3 years if results are normal. Starting at age 30, co-testing with an HPV test is often recommended every 5 years.
  • Breast Awareness: While mammogram age guidelines don’t kick in yet, being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel is encouraged.
  • Skin Cancer: Those with fair skin, frequent sun exposure, or family history may need annual checks from a dermatologist.

This age group benefits most from education and lifestyle choices that reduce cancer risks—like avoiding tobacco, practicing sun safety, and getting HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations.

In Your 40s

Your 40s are a turning point for many cancer screening guidelines by age.

  • Mammogram Age Guidelines: The American Cancer Society recommends women begin annual mammograms at age 45, though some providers suggest starting at 40 depending on personal risk.
  • Colon Cancer Screening Age: For average-risk individuals, colon cancer screening should begin at age 45. Options include colonoscopy, stool-based tests, and others.
  • Prostate Cancer Screening Age: Men should discuss PSA blood testing with their doctor starting at 45–50, especially if they are African American or have a family history.
  • Skin and Oral Cancer Checks: Continue regular exams, especially if risk factors are present.

This is also the decade to start talking seriously with your healthcare provider about annual cancer screening tests based on personal and family history.

In Your 50s

The number of cancer screening recommendations increases in your 50s.

  • Colon Cancer: Colonoscopies every 10 years are typical if no issues are found, but other methods may be recommended more frequently.
  • Mammograms: Women should continue yearly or biennial mammograms based on earlier findings and provider guidance.
  • Prostate Cancer: The decision to continue prostate cancer screening depends on individual risk factors and preferences. Shared decision-making is key.
  • Lung Cancer Screening Age: If you are 55 or older, have a 30-pack-year smoking history, and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years, talk to your doctor about low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer.

This is a critical decade to stay consistent with preventive cancer screenings, as the risk for many cancers begins to rise.

In Your 60s

In your 60s, routine annual cancer screening tests are essential.

  • Colon Cancer: Continue screenings if you’re in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years.
  • Mammograms: Still recommended, often every 1–2 years.
  • Lung Cancer: Continue screening if you meet the criteria, especially if you’re still smoking.
  • Prostate and Cervical Cancer: Depending on previous results, some screenings may be reduced or discontinued—but only after consulting your doctor.

This is a time when cancer screenings for seniors can make a major difference, especially when combined with other chronic disease screenings and health assessments.

In Your 70s and Beyond

Screening decisions in your 70s and 80s are highly individualized.

  • Mammograms and Colonoscopies: May continue if you are in good health. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force typically suggests ending routine colon cancer screenings at 75, but this depends on personal circumstances.
  • Cervical Cancer: May be discontinued after 65 if you’ve had regular, normal test results for the past 10 years.
  • Prostate Cancer: PSA testing may be reduced or stopped based on life expectancy and health goals.
  • Lung Cancer: Continue screening until age 80 if you still meet the criteria.

For many, this decade is about balancing benefits and risks of preventive cancer screenings while focusing on quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the cancer screening guidelines by age can help you take control of your health. Use this guide as a conversation starter with your healthcare provider. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—early detection saves lives.

Whether you’re 40, 60, or older, there are cancer screenings for seniors that could help you stay ahead of the curve. Staying on schedule with annual cancer screening tests might just be the most important appointment you keep this year.

Sources

  • https://preventcancer.org/prevention-screening/cancer-screenings-and-prevention/
  • https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.html
  • https://www.genesiscareus.com/en/diagnosis/recommended-cancer-screenings-by-age