Cancer Screening,because every birthday matters.

See Your Checklist

Example for a 57-year-old female

• Breast Cancer Screening

  Who this is for: Women and people assigned female at birth

  Eligibility

  • Ages 40–44: Talk to your doctor about starting annual screening
  • Ages 45–54: Annual mammogram recommended
  • Ages 55+: Every 2 years, or continue annually — your choice
  • Continue screening as long as you are in good health

  Talk to your doctor about a mammogram

  Why this matters

  Breast cancer found early, when it's small and hasn't spread, is much easier to treat. Mammograms can find breast cancer before you notice any symptoms. Screening has helped reduce breast cancer deaths by nearly 40% since 1990.

  What is it?

  A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to look for signs of cancer. You stand in front of an X-ray machine and a technician positions each breast between two plates to take images. The process takes about 20 minutes.

  How often?

  • If you're 40–44, you have the option to begin annual mammograms — talk to your doctor about what's right for you
  • If you're 45–54, annual mammograms are recommended
  • If you're 55 or older, you can switch to every 2 years or keep going annually — both are acceptable

  How to prepare

  No special preparation is needed. On the day of your mammogram:

  • Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to remove your top
  • Do not apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts — these can show up on X-rays
  • If possible, schedule your appointment the week after your period, when breasts tend to be less tender

  American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines. cancer.org

• Cervical Cancer Screening

  Who this is for: Women and people with a cervix

  Eligibility

  • Ages 25–65: Regular cervical screening recommended
  • Under 25: Screening generally not recommended
  • Over 65: Talk to your doctor — you may be able to stop screening if your recent results have been normal

  Talk to your doctor about a Pap test

  Why this matters

  Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Regular screening can catch cervical cell changes before they become cancer — and when cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable. The HPV vaccine also helps prevent the infections that cause most cervical cancers.

  What is it?

  Cervical cancer screening looks for HPV or abnormal cervical cells using a sample collected from the cervix during a pelvic exam. There are a few ways to screen:

  • HPV test alone (preferred) — Tests for the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Done every 5 years. This is the recommended first choice.
  • Co-test (HPV + Pap) — Both tests done at the same time, every 5 years.
  • Pap test alone — Checks for abnormal cells. Done every 3 years. This is an option if HPV testing is not available.
  • Self-collected HPV test — An HPV test using a vaginal swab you collect yourself, available through your provider using an FDA-approved collection device, done every 3 years.

  How often?

  • If using the HPV test alone or co-test: every 5 years
  • If using the Pap test alone: every 3 years
  • If using self-collection: every 3 years

  How to prepare

  • Schedule your appointment when you are not menstruating if possible
  • For 2 days before your appointment, avoid: sexual intercourse, douching, tampons, or vaginal medications
  • Wear comfortable clothing — you will need to undress from the waist down

  A Note on HPV Vaccination

  Even if you have been vaccinated against HPV, you should still follow these screening guidelines. The vaccine does not protect against all HPV types that can cause cancer.

  American Cancer Society. Cervical Cancer Screening Guideline. cancer.org

• Colorectal Cancer Screening

  Who this is for: All adults (men and women)

  Eligibility

  • Ages 45–75: Regular screening recommended
  • Ages 76–85: Talk to your doctor about whether to continue
  • Ages 85+: Screening is generally not recommended

  Talk to your doctor about colorectal screening

  Why this matters

  Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers — and one of the most treatable when found early. Screenings can even prevent cancer from developing in the first place by finding and removing precancerous growths (polyps) before they become cancer.

  What is it?

  Colorectal cancer screening checks for cancer or precancerous changes in the colon and rectum. There are several ways to screen — your doctor can help you choose the right option:

  • Colonoscopy (preferred) — A camera is used to view the inside of the colon; can find and remove polyps in one procedure. Done every 10 years if normal.
  • Stool-based tests (at-home options) — Tests that look for blood or abnormal DNA in a stool sample. Options include the FIT test (annually) and stool DNA tests (every 1–3 years depending on the test).
  • New blood-based tests — Recently approved and available, but not yet a preferred option. They are less effective at finding early-stage cancer or precancerous growths. If a blood test is positive, a colonoscopy is still required. Talk to your doctor about whether this is right for you.

  How often?

  Depends on the test you choose — from every year (some stool tests) to every 10 years (colonoscopy). If any non-colonoscopy test comes back positive, a colonoscopy should follow promptly.

  How to prepare

  Preparation depends on the test:

  • Colonoscopy: You'll follow a clear liquid diet and take a bowel prep the day before. Plan to take the day off work and arrange a ride home.
  • At-home stool tests: Collected at home and mailed to a lab. Follow the kit instructions carefully.
  • Blood tests: A simple blood draw — no special preparation needed.

  American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Screening Guideline, 2026 update. cancer.org

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