Cancer screenings are a powerful tool for early detection, allowing MedStar Health providers to catch cancer early when the disease is most treatable. For individuals at higher risk, such as those with certain family histories or personal health factors, screenings may need to begin earlier or occur more frequently.
Risk Assessment
Take control of your health with our free cancer risk assessments for breast, colorectal, and lung cancer.
Understanding your risk for cancer is the first step toward prevention or early detection. At MedStar Health, we’re dedicated to empowering you with the information you need to make informed health decisions. That’s why we offer free, quick, and confidential cancer risk assessments, providing a personalized evaluation based on your family history, lifestyle, and health factors.
Click on the links below to take one of our three risk assessments:
Breast cancer risk assessment
Colorectal cancer risk assessment
Lung cancer risk assessment
Types of screenings
It’s important to consult your healthcare provider to determine the proper screenings and schedule for you. Below is an overview of some familiar cancer screenings.
Breast
Screening mammograms are recommended for all women.
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Breast exam by a medical provider (every 3 years for women ages 20 to 39 and every year after age 40)
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Annual mammograms and breast exams by a medical provider starting between the ages of 40, or younger if at high risk*
Find out if you are at risk for breast cancer, by taking our free breast cancer risk quiz.
Cervical
A Pap test (or Pap smear) is a lifesaving screening that can detect precancerous changes, which can be treated before they become cervical cancer. Pap smears work well in spotting such changes, but they must be done regularly, even if you've received the HPV vaccine. Women may also choose to get screened with an HPV test, which looks for the virus that may cause cervical cancer. The HPV test can be conducted alone or simultaneously with a Pap test. Both tests involve using a soft swab to collect cells from the cervix.
The American Cancer Society's current guidelines recommend that women begin cervical cancer screening at 21 and continue through age 65. Guidelines suggest that women can choose to have:
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An HPV test every 5 years, OR
- A Pap test and HPV co-test every 5 years, OR
- A Pap test every 3 years
You may benefit from more frequent screenings if you:
- Have a history of cervical cancer
- Are HIV positive
Women over 65 who have had a series of normal screening results can stop screening.
Colorectal
Screenings are recommended for all adults age 45 and older, or younger if at high risk.
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening and is recommended every 10 years. Other screening options include:
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High-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood test (HSgFOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
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Stool DNA-FIT
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Computed tomography colonography
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CT colonography
Are you at risk for colorectal cancer? Find out by taking our free cancer risk quiz.
Lung
A lung cancer screening is recommended if:
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You are between the ages of 50 and 80 years old
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You currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years
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You have or had a heavy smoking history
If you are a current or former smoker, take our free, quick, and easy lung cancer risk quiz to understand your risk for lung cancer.
Prostate
Men 55 to 69 and at average risk, PSA screening is recommended at least every 2 to 4 years, and more frequently if an elevated PSA is noted. For men at increased risk, screening is recommended starting between age 40 to 45.
Men should talk to their medical provider about the value of two types of prostate cancer screenings:
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Digital rectal exams (DRE)
If you do not have a primary care provider, use our Find a Doctor tool to locate one near you.
Skin
Screenings are recommended for all adults age 20 and older.
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Skin self-exams once a month
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Skin exam by a medical provider every three years until age 39, and once a year beginning at age 40
Find a dermatologist here.
Oral
Screenings are recommended for all adults.
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Annual exam by a dentist or medical provider.
Our providers
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