Clinical trials show that screenings for common cancers – such as cervical, colorectal, lung and breast cancer – save lives. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy eating pattern, avoiding alcohol and staying physically active can help reduce your risk of cancer.

Breast health screening

The best way to protect your breast health is with an annual mammogram starting at age 40. A mammogram can detect breast cancer early when it’s most treatable.

What’s recommended

• Women ages 30 to 39 should evaluate their risk for breast cancer with their primary care provider (PCP)
• Annual mammograms usually start at age 40 to 45
• A family history of cancer may call for screening to start earlier
  
  

Colorectal cancer screening

People ages 45-50 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer every 10 years or more often as determined by their provider. Screenings can find noncancerous colon polyps or early-stage colon cancer when either can be more easily removed or cured.

What’s recommended 

• First colonoscopy or stool-based test typically at age 45 
• A family history of cancer may call for screening to start earlier
  
  

Cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells form in the tissues of the cervix. All women are at risk for cervical cancer, and it occurs most often in women over the age of 30.

Screening is recommended for

• Women ages 21 to 64 years old who had cervical cytology performed within the last 3 years
• Women ages 30 to 64 years old who had cervical high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing performed within the last 5 years
• Women ages 30 to 64 years old who had cervical cytology/high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) co-testing within the last 5 years