Cancer screenings are a powerful tool for protecting long-term health.
They can detect cancer early—when treatment works best—and in some cases, they can even help prevent cancer from developing at all.
While not everyone needs the same screenings at the same time, depending on their age, sex, and risk factors, there are some important screening tests that many people should keep up with.
One of the most effective cancer prevention tools is cervical cancer screening. Thanks to regular screening, the number of people dying from cervical cancer has dropped significantly. Understanding how the tests work and when to get them can help keep you healthy.
Cervical cancer is most often caused by a long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is very common. Most infections go away on their own, but some stick around for years without any symptoms and can lead to cancer.
Because HPV can come back more than once during a person’s life, regular testing is the best way to catch early warning signs.
There are two main tests used to screen for cervical cancer. The Pap test, also called a Pap smear, looks for abnormal changes in cells taken from the cervix—the lower part of the uterus. During the test, a health professional gently collects a small sample of cells. The procedure is quick and can be done during a regular checkup.
The HPV test checks the same sample for high-risk types of HPV that are known to cause most cases of cervical cancer. Often, both the Pap test and HPV test are done together.
These tests do more than find cancer—they can find early changes that might turn into cancer if left untreated. Catching and treating these changes early can stop cancer before it starts.
Screening guidelines depend on age. People between ages 21 and 29 are usually advised to get a Pap test every three years. From ages 30 to 65, there are more options: an HPV test every five years, a Pap test every three years, or both tests (co-testing) every five years.
After age 65, some people may be able to stop screening if they’ve had normal results for many years and have no history of serious cervical issues. This decision should always be made with a doctor.
If a test shows abnormal results, more tests may be needed. These can include repeat testing, a closer look at the cervix with a magnifying tool (called colposcopy), or even a small tissue sample (biopsy). While it can be scary to get abnormal results, it’s important to remember that these tests often catch changes before they become dangerous.
Other types of cancer also have recommended screening tests. Depending on your age and risk factors, your doctor may suggest screening for breast, lung, or colorectal cancer. For example, mammograms help detect breast cancer early.
People with a history of heavy smoking may benefit from a yearly scan to check for lung cancer. Adults should also be screened for colorectal cancer, which can be found early or even prevented by removing small growths called polyps.
Anal cancer is less common, but it can be linked to HPV. While routine screening isn’t recommended for everyone, people with certain risks—like a weakened immune system or a history of HPV-related conditions—might need closer monitoring. Symptoms like rectal bleeding, pain, or itching should always be checked by a doctor.
A yearly visit with your primary care provider or gynecologist is a great chance to talk about your screening schedule, any symptoms you’ve noticed, or updates to your health. It’s also a good time to ask about vaccines and make sure you’re staying up to date.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is a helpful reminder that prevention works. Regular screenings and follow-up care can make a big difference—and even save lives. Staying on top of your screening schedule is a simple but powerful way to take care of your health today and in the years to come.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that a low-carb diet could increase overall cancer risk, and berry that can prevent cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how drinking milk affects the risks of heart disease and cancer and results showing vitamin D supplements could strongly reduce cancer death.
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