Cancer Screening by Age: What to Get and When
A decade-by-decade guide to the screenings that catch cancer early
40%+of cancers are caught by routine screening
Last reviewed: April 2026
Cancer screening exists for one reason: finding cancer early, before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective. For several common cancers, routine screening has dramatically improved survival rates. Colorectal cancer deaths have dropped by more than 50% since screening became widespread.
The challenge is knowing which tests to get and when. Recommendations have changed significantly in recent years. Colonoscopy screening now starts at 45 instead of 50. Lung cancer screening is available for long-term smokers. And some tests that were once routine have been scaled back because the evidence showed they caused more harm than good.
This guide organizes current screening recommendations by decade of life, based on guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the American Cancer Society, and major medical organizations. In Arizona, where sun exposure is extreme and skin cancer rates are the highest in the nation, we have included skin-specific guidance at every age.
Ages 20-39: Building the Foundation
Most cancer screening has not started yet at this age, but there are important exceptions.
For women and people with a cervix: Pap smear every 3 years starting at age 21. At age 25, you can switch to an HPV test alone every 5 years, a Pap smear every 3 years, or a combined Pap plus HPV test (co-test) every 5 years.
For everyone: Monthly skin self-exams, especially in Arizona. Learn the ABCDE rule for suspicious moles. Talk to your doctor about any moles that change in size, shape, or color. If you have a strong family history of cancer (especially breast, ovarian, or colorectal), talk to your doctor about genetic counseling and whether early screening is appropriate.
Ages 40-49: Screening Ramps Up
For women: Mammograms start at age 40, every 1-2 years (the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated their recommendation in 2024 to start at 40). Continue cervical cancer screening per the schedule above.
For everyone at age 45: Colorectal cancer screening begins. Colonoscopy every 10 years is the gold standard. Alternatives include stool-based tests (FIT annually or Cologuard every 3 years) for those who prefer a less invasive option.
For everyone: Annual skin exam by a dermatologist, especially in Arizona. Continue monthly skin self-exams. Baseline eye exam at age 40.
Ages 50-64: The Critical Decade
This is when cancer risk increases meaningfully for many types.
For everyone: Continue colorectal cancer screening. Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scan for adults aged 50-80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years.
For women: Continue mammograms every 1-2 years. Cervical cancer screening continues through age 65 (can stop after 65 if prior results have been consistently normal).
For men: Prostate cancer screening with a PSA blood test is a shared decision between you and your doctor. The benefits and risks should be discussed individually. The American Cancer Society recommends this conversation starting at age 50 for average-risk men, and at 40-45 for high-risk men (African American, strong family history).
Ages 65 and Older: Staying Vigilant
For everyone: Continue colorectal cancer screening through age 75 (after 75, screening decisions are individualized based on health and life expectancy). Continue lung cancer screening if eligible. Annual skin exams continue.
For women: Continue mammograms as long as overall health is good and life expectancy is 10 or more years. Cervical cancer screening can stop at 65 if previous results were normal. HPV vaccination is not recommended after age 26, but prior vaccination provides ongoing protection.
For men: Prostate screening decisions continue to be individualized. After age 70, most guidelines suggest stopping routine PSA screening.
Arizona-Specific: Skin Cancer Screening
Arizona has the highest skin cancer rates in the United States. The combination of high altitude, intense UV, and outdoor lifestyle means every Arizonan should take skin screening seriously, regardless of age or skin tone.
There is no formal national guideline for routine skin cancer screening for average-risk adults, but the American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual full-body skin exams by a dermatologist for people at increased risk. In Arizona, that functionally means everyone. Monthly self-exams at home complement professional screening.
Screening Schedule at a Glance
- Age 21: Pap smear every 3 years (cervical cancer)
- Age 25: Option to switch to HPV test every 5 years
- Age 40: Mammogram every 1-2 years (breast cancer)
- Age 40: Baseline comprehensive eye exam
- Age 45: Colonoscopy every 10 years or stool test annually (colorectal cancer)
- Age 50: Discuss PSA screening with your doctor (prostate cancer, men)
- Age 50-80: Low-dose CT if 20+ pack-year smoking history (lung cancer)
- Every year: Skin exam by a dermatologist (especially in Arizona)
- Every month: Skin self-exam at home using the ABCDE rule
- Age 65: Cervical screening can stop if prior results were normal
- Age 75+: Individualize all screening decisions with your doctor
When Screening Finds Something
An abnormal screening result does not mean you have cancer. Many findings turn out to be benign after further testing. A suspicious mammogram may lead to an ultrasound or biopsy that shows a non-cancerous cyst. A polyp found during colonoscopy is usually precancerous, meaning removing it prevents cancer.
If cancer is confirmed, early-stage cancers found by screening generally have much better treatment outcomes than cancers found after symptoms develop. Arizona has comprehensive cancer centers including Banner MD Anderson in Gilbert, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center in Scottsdale, and the University of Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover cancer screening?
Most private insurance plans and AHCCCS cover recommended preventive screenings at no out-of-pocket cost under the Affordable Care Act. This includes mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap smears, HPV tests, and lung cancer screening for eligible patients.
What if cancer runs in my family?
A strong family history (especially first-degree relatives diagnosed before age 50) may mean you need screening earlier or more frequently. Genetic counseling can assess your risk and guide a personalized screening plan. Many Arizona cancer centers offer genetic counseling services.
Are there screening tests for all types of cancer?
No. Effective screening tests exist for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers. Research is ongoing for pancreatic, ovarian, and other cancers. Multi-cancer detection blood tests are in development but not yet part of standard guidelines.
Should I get a full-body MRI for cancer screening?
Full-body MRI scans marketed directly to consumers are not recommended by any major medical organization for routine cancer screening. They frequently produce false positives that lead to unnecessary biopsies and anxiety. Stick with evidence-based screening tests.
I am healthy and feel fine. Do I still need screening?
Yes. The entire point of screening is to find cancer before you feel symptoms. Many cancers, including colorectal and breast cancers, cause no symptoms in their early, most treatable stages. Screening is for people who feel fine.