Everyone’s risk is different, but there are general age and gender guidelines that help you decide the right time for a cancer screening test. Whether you're a man or woman in your 20s or your 60s, this simple checklist can guide you toward the tests that matter most.
In your 20s (Age 20–29)
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Women:
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Pap smear (cervical cancer): Start at 21. Do it every 3 years.
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Men and women:
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Focus more on lifestyle habits and family history.
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No routine cancer screening test is typically needed unless you’re high-risk.
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In your 30s (Age 30–39)
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Women:
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Pap + HPV test: Every 5 years.
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If family history of breast cancer, speak with your doctor about early mammograms or ultrasounds.
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Men:
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If there’s a family history of prostate cancer, begin PSA screening early (35–40).
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All:
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Start being more alert. Even if you feel healthy, now is a good time to talk to your doctor about your personal cancer screening test schedule.
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Skin checks, oral exams (especially if you smoke), and testicular exams are smart to include.
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In your 40s (Age 40–49)
This is when most people begin regular cancer screening tests, even without symptoms.
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Women:
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Mammogram (breast cancer): Start around 40–45, every 1–2 years.
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Continue Pap+HPV tests.
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Men:
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PSA test (prostate cancer): If you’re at average risk, start around 45–50.
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All:
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Colorectal screening: Stool-based tests every year or colonoscopy every 10 years starting at 45.
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Oral cancer checkups if you chew tobacco or smoke.
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Lung cancer cancer screening test if you’re a heavy smoker.
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In your 50s (Age 50–59)
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Women:
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Continue mammograms and Pap/HPV if not done earlier.
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Men:
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Continue PSA tests based on doctor’s advice.
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All:
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Colon cancer screening: Stay on track with stool tests or colonoscopies.
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Consider a cancer screening test for lung cancer yearly (low-dose CT) if you’re a current or past heavy smoker.
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Skin cancer checks if you’ve had sun exposure or moles.
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In your 60s and beyond (Age 60+)
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All:
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Continue age-appropriate cancer screening tests unless your doctor says otherwise.
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Some women can stop Pap smears after 65 if results have been normal for years.
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Discuss life expectancy and overall health to decide how long to continue each cancer screening test.
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Additional risk-based screenings (any age)
If you have a family history of:
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Breast or ovarian cancer: You may need earlier mammograms and genetic testing (BRCA).
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Colon cancer: Start colonoscopy earlier and repeat more often.
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Prostate cancer: Begin PSA screening in your 40s.
Your personal cancer screening test plan depends on genetics, lifestyle, and past results. Always keep your doctor in the loop.
