Preventive care: cancer FAQs

Many cancers don’t cause symptoms in early stages. Screenings help to spot cancer sooner, when treatments are most effective.¹

Your recommended screenings depend on factors including age, family history, race/ethnicity and lifestyle.¹ Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.

Most screenings are done at a medical center or doctor’s office.¹ Others, such as some colorectal cancer tests, can be done from home. Your doctor can help you choose the best option.

Colorectal, breast, lung, cervical and prostate cancer have medically approved screening tests. Your doctor can guide you based on your risk factors.

If a screening test shows abnormal results, your doctor will talk about the next steps. This may include more testing, imaging or a biopsy.¹ Finding something unusual doesn’t always mean cancer, but follow-up care is important.

Most cancer screenings are quick and minimally uncomfortable. Some tests, like mammograms, may cause mild pressure.² Others, like colonoscopies, are done under sedation.³ If you have concerns, talk to your doctor about what to expect.

While some risk factors like age and genetics can’t be changed, there are lifestyle choices that may help lower cancer risk, including these:⁴

• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol
• Having a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Avoiding processed foods and drinks (e.g., soft drinks, processed meat, sweetened breakfast cereals)⁵
• Staying physically active
• Protecting your skin from too much sun exposure
• Getting recommended vaccinations, such as the HPV vaccine
• Staying up to date with routine screenings

It’s normal to feel uneasy about medical tests, whether it’s concerns about the procedure, the results or the cost. But screenings are an important step in staying on top of your health. Knowing where you stand can help you take control, catch issues early and make informed choices about your care.

Many preventive screenings, such as mammograms, pap-smears and colonoscopies, are covered by most health insurance plans.⁶ If you’re unsure, check with your health plan or doctor.

An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer and building care plans.⁷ Those plans may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy or targeted therapies.

You may need to see an oncologist if

• a screening test suggests cancer;
• your primary doctor advises it based on medical tests or imaging results;
• you have symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, lasting pain, lumps or unusual bleeding; and/or
• you have a family history of cancer and want to talk about genetic testing and preventive care.

Schedule a screening