When it comes to staying healthy, early detection matters. Cancer can grow silently, often without symptoms, in the early stages.1 That’s why regular screenings are so important. An early diagnosis can lead to better treatment outcomes and improved survival rates.1
By staying proactive with screenings and understanding your risk factors, you can take a powerful step toward protecting your future.
Stay on top of important cancer screenings.
Cancer happens when abnormal cells in the body grow uncontrollably.5 These cells can form tumors and spread to other parts of the body if not found and treated early. There are many types of cancer, and each one affects the body differently. You can stay ahead of cancer with important screenings.
A cancer screening checks for cancer before a person has any symptoms. Most cancer screenings take place in a clinic or doctor’s office, but some can be done at home. These tests may include the following:1
Cancer screenings are a powerful tool for protecting your health. When cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat or cure.
Start by talking to your doctor about what cancer screenings are right for you based on your age, sex, race/ethnicity and family history. (Screenings are most often based on sex assigned at birth and current organs.) If family members have had cancer, it could add to your risk.1
For Curtis, it took his daughter’s heartfelt plea to get the preventive care screenings he needed. Sometimes we all need a little nudge from the ones we love to protect the future we hold dear.
These are the most common cancers that may call for routine screenings:
Check with your health plan or doctor to learn which screenings are covered by your health insurance.
Based on your age, sex assigned at birth and risk factors, certain screenings should be part of your routine preventive care.2 Here’s a general guide to when people at average risk should get screened.*
Every 5–10 years through imaging (usually a colonoscopy); every 1–3 years using an at-home test
Every 1–2 years through imaging (usually a mammogram)
Every year if you have a history of smoking
Every 3–5 years at a doctor’s office3
Blood test every 1–2 years at a doctor’s office, though this varies based on family history and overall risk
Yearly self-exam follow-up with a doctor if you find an unusual mole or bump4
*If you have a family history of cancer, certain genetic factors or other health conditions that increase your risk, talk to your doctor about when and how often you should get screened.
Cancer affects all groups of people, but risk factors and screening rates vary. Knowing these differences can help you take charge of your health.
Compared to other groups, African American/Black people have a higher risk for many cancers.6 One way to stay on top of your health is to plan regular screenings.
Finding cancer early can be lifesaving for African American/Black men. They have nearly 70% higher rates of prostate cancer diagnosis.7 It’s important to take action by scheduling a prostate screening and knowing your family history.
Finding out early increases survival rates for African American/Black women, who often face more aggressive forms of breast cancer.6 Getting routine screenings is a vital way to stay healthy.
African American/Black women have a 22% higher rate of cervical cancer diagnosis than non-Hispanic white women.8 When diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 91%.8 Regular screenings can help catch cancer early.
Colorectal cancer rates are 20% higher for African American/Black people than non-Hispanic white people in the U.S.9 Colonoscopies are a vital way to find colorectal cancer before it progresses.
Cancer is the leading cause of death for Hispanic/Latino people in the U.S.10 That’s why it’s important to know about your risk factors. Get regular screenings to stay in control of your health.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Hispanic/Latino men, at a rate of 25%.11 Talk to your doctor about when to start screening.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Hispanic/Latina women.11 Regular screenings are vital to help find cancer early.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among both Hispanic/Latino(a) men and women.11 Talk to your doctor about your risk and the screening options that are right for you based on age and family history.
Hispanic/Latina women have a 36% higher incidence of cervical cancer than non-Hispanic white women.11 When diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 91%.9 Regular screenings can help catch cancer early.
Studies show that compared to other racial/ethnic groups, Asian American/Pacific Islander individuals are less likely to be up to date with many cancer screenings.12 Stay proactive with your health to find cancer early.
Colorectal cancer screening rates for Asian American/Pacific Islander individuals are 16% lower than for non-Hispanic white Americans.12 Talk to your doctor about your risk and the screening options that are right for you based on age and family history.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for Asian American/Pacific Islander men and women.12 Being proactive about regular screenings can be lifesaving.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Asian American/Pacific Island women.12 Talk to your doctor about routine screenings for early detection.
The most diagnosed cancer for Asian American/Pacific Islander men is prostate cancer.12 Regular screenings can help catch cancer early.
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