Cancer doesn’t always show symptoms in its early stages. That’s why Cancer Screening Tests are so important — they give you a chance to catch the disease before it becomes dangerous. These tests are simple, powerful tools that help detect cancer early or even stop it from starting.
If you’re wondering what kinds of Cancer Screening Tests exist — and which ones you might need — this complete list is for you.
What Is a Cancer Screening Test?
A Cancer Screening Test is a medical test done on people who don’t have symptoms. It’s not meant to treat anything — it’s meant to detect changes in your body that could lead to cancer or find cancer in its early, most treatable stages.
Different tests screen for different types of cancer. Some are done at home. Others are done in a clinic or hospital. But they all serve the same purpose: early detection and prevention.
1. Mammogram – Breast Cancer Screening
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It helps detect breast cancer before a lump can be felt.
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Who needs it: Women aged 40+, or earlier with family history
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How often: Every 1 to 2 years
This Cancer Screening Test is one of the most well-known — and it saves thousands of lives every year by catching tumors early.
2. Pap Smear & HPV Test – Cervical Cancer Screening
These tests check for abnormal cells and HPV (a virus that can cause cervical cancer). A Pap smear finds changes in cervical cells. An HPV test checks for the virus itself.
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Who needs it: Women aged 21–65
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How often: Every 3–5 years depending on the test combination
This Cancer Screening Test is fast, painless, and can help prevent cancer by catching and treating cell changes early.
3. PSA Blood Test – Prostate Cancer Screening
The PSA test checks for prostate-specific antigen in the blood — high levels could signal prostate cancer.
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Who needs it: Men aged 50+, or earlier if high-risk (family history, African-American)
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How often: Every 1 to 2 years based on risk
This Cancer Screening Test is a simple blood draw but offers early clues about prostate health.
4. Colonoscopy – Colorectal Cancer Screening
A colonoscopy checks the colon and rectum for polyps (small growths that can turn cancerous).
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Who needs it: Everyone aged 45+, or earlier with risk factors
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How often: Every 10 years if normal; more often if polyps are found
It’s one of the few Cancer Screening Tests that can also prevent cancer — by removing growths before they turn dangerous.
5. Low-Dose CT Scan – Lung Cancer Screening
This scan looks for small tumors in the lungs — long before they cause symptoms like coughing or pain.
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Who needs it: Adults aged 50–80 with a long history of smoking
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How often: Every year if at high risk
This Cancer Screening Test can reduce the risk of dying from lung cancer by catching it early.
6. Skin Exam – Skin Cancer Screening
Doctors or dermatologists examine your skin for unusual moles, patches, or lesions that could be signs of skin cancer.
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Who needs it: Everyone, especially those with fair skin, lots of sun exposure, or a family history
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How often: Every year (plus self-checks monthly)
This Cancer Screening Test is visual — no machines or pain — but it’s powerful. It can catch melanoma early, when it’s easiest to treat.
7. Oral Cancer Screening
Dentists often perform this test during regular check-ups. They look inside your mouth for unusual lumps, sores, or patches.
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Who needs it: Smokers, heavy drinkers, and anyone with frequent mouth ulcers or HPV exposure
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How often: Every 6–12 months during dental visits
This Cancer Screening Test is quick and can be life-saving when it catches signs early.
8. Testicular Self-Exam – Testicular Cancer
This is a self-check rather than a formal screening, but it’s vital for younger men (ages 15–35).
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Who needs it: All men, especially in their teens and twenties
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How often: Monthly self-checks
While not a formal Cancer Screening Test, this regular habit helps catch changes early and prompts timely doctor visits.
9. Endometrial Biopsy – Uterine Cancer (if symptomatic)
For women with unusual bleeding after menopause, an endometrial biopsy might be recommended.
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Who needs it: Women over 50 with abnormal bleeding
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How often: As needed, not routine
This is a diagnostic tool more than a routine Cancer Screening Test, but it’s used in early detection for women with symptoms.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Tests. Know Your Risk.
Every Cancer Screening Test listed here serves a unique role — from early detection to complete prevention. You don’t need all of them, but you do need to know which ones are right for you, based on age, gender, lifestyle, and family history.
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