What to Know About Cancer Screenings as You Age
Last updated on December 18, 2025
Each year, thousands of lives are saved through early cancer detection. Yet for many women, keeping track of which screenings to complete, and when, can feel confusing. The guidelines vary by age, risk level, and family history. Some tests begin earlier if you have certain risk factors, while others shift in frequency as you age.
At Ms.Medicine, we know how overwhelming this can feel. Our concierge approach ensures that every woman has a personalized cancer screening schedule tailored to her unique health history, genetics, and lifestyle. With Cancer Screen Week approaching, it’s the perfect time to review your plan and make sure you are on track for early detection and peace of mind.
Why Screening Guidelines Can Feel Confusing
Cancer screening recommendations are based on large-scale studies that evaluate when the benefits of testing outweigh the risks. Those guidelines evolve as new research emerges. For example, the recommended starting age for mammograms and colon cancer screening has both shifted in recent years.
The result is that many women are unsure what applies to them. Some fear they are overdue. Others wonder whether they can safely wait. That uncertainty can lead to avoidance and missed opportunities for early detection.
Our goal at Ms.Medicine is to remove that guesswork. Below is a decade-by-decade guide to help you understand what to expect, what questions to ask, and how your care team can tailor screenings to your unique needs.
Your 20s: Laying the Foundation
While most cancer screenings typically begin later in life, your 20s are the ideal time to establish prevention habits that lay the groundwork for lifelong health.
Cervical Cancer: Begin screening at age 21. A Pap test is typically recommended every three years if the results are normal.
Skin Cancer: Perform monthly self-checks for new or changing moles and schedule a baseline skin exam with a dermatologist if you have a family history of melanoma or significant sun exposure.
HPV Vaccine: If you did not complete the HPV vaccine series as a teen, it can still be given up to age 26.
These early steps help your provider track changes over time and build an accurate baseline for future screenings.
Your 30s: Continuing Routine Care
In your 30s, prevention remains focused on the basics, but now with an eye toward long-term planning.
Cervical Cancer: Continue Pap tests every three years, or consider combined Pap and HPV testing every five years if both results are negative.
Skin Cancer: Annual full-body skin exams are advisable for women with fair skin, freckles, or a history of sunburns.
Breast Health: Clinical breast exams are recommended every one to three years. Discuss your family history with your provider; those with a mother, sister, or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer may need earlier mammograms or genetic counseling.
Your 40s: The Decade of Screening Milestones
For most women, the 40s mark the beginning of cancer screening expansion.
Breast Cancer: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends starting breast cancer screening after 40 with a mammogram every one to two years. If you have dense breasts or a strong family history, supplemental imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be appropriate.
Colon Cancer: The American Cancer Society now advises that screening begin at age 45 for those at average risk. Options include a colonoscopy every 10 years or stool-based tests more frequently.
Cervical Cancer: Continue as before, stopping only after consistent normal results and discussion with your clinician.
Skin Cancer: Continue to undergo annual checks and use daily sun protection.
At Ms.Medicine, we tailor each woman’s screening plan to her personal and family risk. Our clinicians coordinate mammography, colonoscopy, and lab testing to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks during this busy decade.
Learn more about our Breast Health Risk Assessment and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment.
Your 50s: Staying Consistent and Comprehensive
Consistency is key in your 50s. Screenings shift from “start dates” to “maintenance intervals.”
Breast Cancer: Continue mammograms every one to two years. Women with prior abnormal findings or dense breast tissue may need more frequent imaging.
Colon Cancer: Keep up with your chosen test interval. If you had a colonoscopy at 45 with expected results, your next may be at 55.
Cervical Cancer: Most women can stop screening at 65 if they’ve had a decade of normal results, but your provider will confirm.
Lung Cancer: If you have a history of smoking—generally 20 pack-years or more—ask about annual low-dose CT scans beginning at age 50.
Skin and Oral Cancers: Continue annual exams and report any new or persistent changes.
These screenings save lives. When cancers are found early, treatment is less invasive and survival rates are dramatically higher.
Your 60s and Beyond: Adjusting to Individual Risk
In your 60s, your provider may begin adjusting screening frequency based on overall health and previous results.
Breast Cancer: Many women continue mammograms through at least age 74. Decisions beyond that should reflect your health status and life expectancy.
Colon Cancer: Continue until age 75, or longer if you are healthy and have not had previous polyps.
Lung Cancer: Continue annual scans if you remain eligible.
Cervical Cancer: Screening may end after 65 if you’ve had consistent normal results and no high-risk factors.
Skin Cancer: Annual exams should be continued indefinitely, as the risk increases with age.
This stage is also the time to focus on coordination. Multiple specialists, evolving medications, and new health priorities can make oversight challenging. Ms.Medicine’s concierge model ensures all your results, reports, and next steps remain organized and easily accessible.
Making Screening Simple
Navigating multiple tests and recommendations can be difficult, even for the most proactive patient. That’s why Ms.Medicine offers age-based and risk-based screening plans customized to your medical history. Our team tracks when each screening is due, communicates results, and helps you prioritize next steps.
If your schedule or anxiety has caused delays, start with a comprehensive visit. We can review your entire screening history, order any missing tests, and coordinate imaging or specialist referrals—all in one seamless plan.
Empowering Women Through Early Detection
Cancer Screen Week is more than a calendar event. It’s a reminder that prevention begins with awareness and timely action. Every woman deserves clear guidance, coordinated care, and reassurance that she’s doing everything possible to protect her health.
When you know which screenings you need and when to schedule them, uncertainty fades and confidence grows. With Ms.Medicine’s concierge support, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
