When it comes to cancer prevention and survivorship, getting the right screenings at the right time ranks right up there with maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking.
“Cancer screening finds cancer early, often before there are any symptoms, when it’s most treatable,” said Philip Kovoor, MD, medical director and oncologist on the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano medical staff.
The basics
While there isn’t a screening test for all types of cancer, there are screenings for the "big four”—breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancers—which account for about half of all cancer diagnoses in the United States. There is also a screening for cervical cancer.
For adults at average risk, five screenings are recommended:
Breast cancer (mammogram): The American Cancer Society advises annual mammograms from ages 45 to 54, with the option to start yearly at age 40, then every one to two years afterward.
Colorectal cancer (stool test or colonoscopy): Begin at age 45. Options include a stool test (some annually; stool DNA every three years) or a visual exam such as a colonoscopy every 10 years. Continue through age 75, then discuss screening with a health care provider.
Lung cancer (low-dose CT scan): Yearly for adults ages 50-80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history (a history of smoking at least one pack a day) and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
Prostate cancer (PSA blood test): Men ages 55-69 should have a conversation with their provider about the screening before deciding. Routine screening is generally not recommended after age 75.
Cervical cancer (Pap and/or HPV test): For women ages 21-29, a Pap test every three years is recommended. From ages 30-65, an HPV test every five years is preferred, and a Pap plus HPV test every five years or a Pap test alone every three years is recommended. Screening can usually stop after age 65, depending on risk factors.
Dr. Kovoor adds this important reminder: “A personal or family history of cancer can move your start date earlier and change how often you are screened—sometimes by many years—so work with your doctor on a screening schedule.”
Why screenings matter
Cost concerns, fear or embarrassment, feeling healthy, having no family history and logistical challenges can all keep people from being screened. However, screening is designed to find cancer before symptoms appear and most cancers occur in people with no family history. If cost, transportation or scheduling is a concern, ask your insurance plan and health care provider about coverage and available options.
A good time to catch up
If you are behind on recommended screenings, start with three steps:
Know your personal and family cancer history.
Ask your primary care provider which screenings you are due for and whether cost or logistics support is available.
Schedule overdue tests, complete any recommended follow-ups and set a reminder for your next screening.
“The most important step is simply to get screened,” Dr. Kovoor said. “If you’re behind, it’s not too late. Start the conversation with your provider now.”
Understanding your results
An abnormal screening result does not necessarily mean cancer, but it does mean additional evaluation is needed. The next step may be a repeat test, a different screening tool or a biopsy.
“Schedule the recommended follow-up as soon as you reasonably can and keep track of it until it’s complete,” Dr. Kovoor said.
Caring for cancer holistically
For patients diagnosed with cancer, the Baylor Scott & White – Plano Supportive Palliative Care team works alongside oncology specialists to support patients throughout their cancer journey. Cancer treatment can bring physical, emotional and practical challenges, and palliative care focuses on helping patients and families navigate those challenges while maintaining quality of life.
“I often tell patients that while their oncologist focuses on treating the cancer, our team focuses on treating the person,” said Jessica Lamarre, NP, a Supportive Palliative Care nurse practitioner at the medical center. “We help relieve symptoms, reduce the physical and emotional burdens of illness, and ensure that care aligns with each patient's goals and values.”
Palliative care complements cancer treatment by helping patients manage symptoms, navigate complex medical decisions and access additional support throughout care.
“Early involvement of palliative care has been shown to improve symptom management, quality of life and patient and family satisfaction,” Lamarre said.
From screening and early detection to treatment and supportive care, the goal is the same: helping patients live as well as possible at every step of their cancer journey. Whether you're due for a routine screening or have questions about your cancer risk, talking with your health care provider is an important first step.
Frequently asked questions
What cancer screenings are recommended for adults at average risk?
Five screenings are recommended for average-risk adults: mammograms for breast cancer (annually ages 45-54, with the option to start at 40), colonoscopy or stool tests for colorectal cancer (starting at age 45), low-dose CT scans for lung cancer (annually for ages 50-80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history), a PSA blood test conversation for prostate cancer (ages 55-69), and Pap and/or HPV tests for cervical cancer (starting at age 21).
Can a family history of cancer change when I should start screening?
Yes. According to Dr. Philip Kovoor, oncologist at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano, a personal or family history of cancer can move your start date earlier and change how often you're screened, sometimes by many years. If you have a family history of any of the screened cancers, talk with your doctor about a personalized screening schedule rather than relying on the standard age guidelines.
What does an abnormal cancer screening result mean?
An abnormal result does not necessarily mean cancer; it means additional evaluation is needed. The next step may be a repeat test, a different screening tool or a biopsy. Dr. Kovoor recommends scheduling any recommended follow-up as soon as reasonably possible and tracking it until it is complete.
The above story was produced by the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — Plano team with Community Impact's Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community, or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of Baylor Scott & White Health or those medical centers.