Cancer screening test checklist: what to get tested for by age and gender

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)

• Women:

  • Pap smear (cervical cancer): Start at 21. Do it every 3 years.

  • If sexually active, consider an HPV test too.

• Men and women:

  • Focus more on lifestyle habits and family history.

  • No routine cancer screening test is typically needed unless you’re high-risk.

In your 30s (Age 30–39)

• Women:

  • Pap + HPV test: Every 5 years.

  • If family history of breast cancer, speak with your doctor about early mammograms or ultrasounds.

• Men:

  • If there’s a family history of prostate cancer, begin PSA screening early (35–40).

• All:

  • 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.

  • Skin checks, oral exams (especially if you smoke), and testicular exams are smart to include.

In your 40s (Age 40–49)

This is when most people begin regular cancer screening tests, even without symptoms.

• Women:

  • Mammogram (breast cancer): Start around 40–45, every 1–2 years.

  • Continue Pap+HPV tests.

• Men:

  • PSA test (prostate cancer): If you’re at average risk, start around 45–50.

• All:

  • Colorectal screening: Stool-based tests every year or colonoscopy every 10 years starting at 45.

  • Oral cancer checkups if you chew tobacco or smoke.

  • Lung cancer cancer screening test if you’re a heavy smoker.

In your 50s (Age 50–59)

• Women:

  • Continue mammograms and Pap/HPV if not done earlier.

• Men:

  • Continue PSA tests based on doctor’s advice.

• All:

  • Colon cancer screening: Stay on track with stool tests or colonoscopies.

  • Consider a cancer screening test for lung cancer yearly (low-dose CT) if you’re a current or past heavy smoker.

  • Skin cancer checks if you’ve had sun exposure or moles.

In your 60s and beyond (Age 60+)

• All:

  • Continue age-appropriate cancer screening tests unless your doctor says otherwise.

  • Some women can stop Pap smears after 65 if results have been normal for years.

  • Discuss life expectancy and overall health to decide how long to continue each cancer screening test.

Additional risk-based screenings (any age)

If you have a family history of:

• Breast or ovarian cancer: You may need earlier mammograms and genetic testing (BRCA).

• Colon cancer: Start colonoscopy earlier and repeat more often.

• 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.

Final thoughts

Think of this checklist as your yearly health reminder — not a burden, but a protection. A cancer screening test is not about waiting for illness. It’s about staying ahead of it.

Don’t delay. Don’t ignore your age or gender-specific needs. Use this guide to build your own cancer screening test timeline — and stick to it. Because when cancer is caught early, it’s not just treatable — it’s beatable.