by Dr. Megan Britton

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to shine a light on all types of cancer screening. Early detection saves lives — not just from lung cancer, but from many cancers where regular screening can make all the difference.

Even though advances in medicine have improved treatment outcomes, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The good news? Screening tests can detect many cancers early, when treatment is most effective.

If you’re not sure which screenings you need — or when to get them — this guide breaks down the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations in straightforward terms. You’ll learn what each test looks for, who it’s for, and how often it’s recommended.

Why Cancer Screening Matters

Cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably. In many cases, this happens silently — without symptoms — for months or even years. Screening is the proactive step that allows healthcare providers to catch disease at a stage when it’s easiest to treat or even cure.

According to the American Cancer Society, early detection significantly increases survival rates. For instance:

• Cervical cancer deaths have dropped by more than 50% since routine Pap tests began.
• Regular mammograms have helped reduce breast cancer deaths by nearly 40% among women over 40.
• Colonoscopy and stool tests have cut colorectal cancer deaths in half over recent decades.

The key takeaway: early detection saves lives — and it often saves treatments from being more aggressive later on.

Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., largely because it’s often diagnosed late. That’s why November — Lung Cancer Awareness Month — is such an important reminder.

The USPSTF recommends annual low-dose CT (LDCT) scans for:

• Adults 50 to 80 years old
• Who have a 20 pack-year smoking history
• And currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

If you fall into that group, ask your doctor about scheduling a screening. The scan is quick, noninvasive, and uses far less radiation than a standard CT.

Breast Cancer Screening

The USPSTF recommends mammograms every two years for women ages 40 to 74. Some organizations suggest starting yearly screenings at 40, especially for women with a family history of breast cancer.

Mammography is not one-size-fits-all. Factors like breast density, genetic risk, and personal health history may influence how often or what kind of imaging you need.

Cervical Cancer Screening

The USPSTF recommends:

• Pap smear every three years for women ages 21 to 29
• For women ages 30 to 65: either Pap every 3 years, HPV testing every 5 years, or both every 5 years

HPV vaccination also plays a crucial preventive role and is recommended for ages 9–45.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

The USPSTF recommends routine screening from ages 45 to 75. For adults 76 to 85, screening should be individualized.

Options include:

• Colonoscopy every 10 years (gold standard), or
• FIT test annually, or
• Stool DNA test every 1–3 years

Colonoscopy allows doctors to remove polyps during the procedure, preventing cancer before it starts.

Skin Cancer Screening

Routine skin cancer screening is not universally recommended by the USPSTF, but skin awareness is essential. Check for new or changing moles, non-healing spots, or unusual growths. Use sunscreen regularly and avoid tanning beds.

Prostate Cancer Screening

The USPSTF recommends that men ages 55–69 make an individual decision about prostate cancer screening using the PSA blood test. Men over 70 are not routinely screened. Risk is higher for African American men and those with a family history.

Other Cancers

Ovarian and pancreatic cancer are not recommended for general screening, except in high-risk individuals with genetic mutations like BRCA1/2. Testicular cancer and oral cancers should be watched for symptoms and discussed with healthcare providers if changes occur.

The Bottom Line

November’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that prevention and early detection remain our best tools against cancer. The same holds true for breast, cervical, colon, prostate, and other cancers — catching them early saves lives.

Whether it’s scheduling your first mammogram, a colon screening, or a low-dose CT scan, taking these steps today protects your health for years to come. Cancer screening isn’t just medical maintenance — it’s an investment in your future self.

Practical Screening Checklist

Cancer Type	Who Should Screen	Recommended Test	Frequency
Lung	50–80 yrs + 20 pack- year history	Low-dose CT scan	Annually
Breast	Women 40–74 yrs	Mammogram	Every 2 years
Cervical	Women 21–29 yrs	Pap smear	Every 3 years
Cervical	Women 30–65 yrs	Pap + HPV test	Every 5 years
Colorectal	Adults 45–75 yrs	Colonoscopy or stool test	10 yrs or per test
Skin	All adults	Visual exam/self- check	As needed
Prostate	Men 55–69 yrs	PSA test	Individual decision
Testicular	Men 15–35 yrs	Self-check	As needed