Cancer Preventive Screening and Early Detection

Breast cancer is a cancer that develops in the tissues of the breast. Most breast cancers occur in women who have no known inherited genetic risk factors. Regular mammogram screenings are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early. The American Medical Association recommends an annual mammogram for all women age 40 or older.

Stanford Medicine offers precise mammogram screening options that combine 3D-like mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis) and other technologies with the expertise of pathologists and radiologists specially trained in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The high-risk human papillonmavirus (hrHPV) is the cause of most cervical cancer. Pap smears can detect precancerous conditions in your cervix before it develops into cancer.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends pap smear screenings every three years for all women ages 21 – 29. For women ages 30 – 65, the USPSTF recommends screening every three years with a pap smear alone, every five years with hrHPV testing alone, or every five years with hrHPV testing in combination with a pap smear. Pap smear screenings are commonly done in the office of your primary care doctor or OB-GYNs.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in the United States. The most effective way to reduce your risk of colon cancer is with a colonoscopy. Treatment works best when the cancer is found early. Screening tests can help find polyps and can find cancer that is still in its early stages and hasn't spread yet.

Colonoscopy is recommended for adults starting at age 45, and earlier for those at high risk. People at risk by race/ethnicity or family history should check with their doctor about specific screening recommendations that address those risks.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. People at risk for lung cancer who get screened are likely to catch 80% of lung cancer at an early stage when it is most curable.* Computed tomography (CT) screenings are the best tests doctors have to find lung cancer early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual screening for lung cancer in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a history of smoking two packs a day for 10 years and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

The Lung Cancer Screening Program offers seamless referral to the Stanford Medicine Cancer Center if treatment is needed.

^{*According to the American Lung Association}

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States. Black men are 50% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease. Screening is an important tool for detecting prostate cancer in its early stages, when it's most treatable. Prostate cancer screening involves a simple blood test called a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test.

Prostate cancer screening every two years is recommended for most men starting at age 55. Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should discuss with their physician whether they should be screened earlier, or more often.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It is highly curable if found early and treated promptly. Yearly screening is recommended for individuals 50 years and older with lighter skin types, sun damage or tanning bed use, atypical moles, and/or prior history of skin cancer or precancerous lesions. Screening may also be indicated in younger individuals or those with darker skin tones depending on risk for melanoma or other types of skin cancer. Skin cancer screening involves a simple visual inspection of your skin in your dermatologist’s office.