[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/12\/cancer-screenings\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/12\/cancer-screenings\/","headline":"Cancer Screenings Through Your Lifetime","name":"Cancer Screenings Through Your Lifetime","description":"Can","datePublished":"2021-12-15","dateModified":"2025-05-06","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC Hillman Cancer Center","url":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-hillman-cancer-center\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GettyImages-1294319145.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GettyImages-1294319145.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/12\/cancer-screenings\/","about":["Cancer Care","Health Topics A-Z"],"wordCount":815,"articleBody":"The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that more than 2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2025, and 618,120 will die. To help reduce cancer deaths, the ACS recommends a wide range of cancer screenings to promote early detection.While some screenings are specifically for men or women, others are for everyone. Here are three types of screening that everyone should consider.Skin Cancer ScreeningWhat should people know about skin cancer?Skin cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis, which is your outer layer of skin. It is by far the most common of all cancers, according to the ACS.According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. That’s why it’s important to avoid the two main causes \u2014 the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and UV tanning machines.What does skin cancer screening look like?People can check for skin cancer by carefully examining themselves from head to toe in a well-lit room. While the ACS doesn’t say how often to do a skin cancer self-exam, many doctors recommend checking monthly. That’s because early detection is the best way to ensure that any skin cancer can be treated successfully.The ACS recommends having suspicious moles looked at if you spot them during a self-exam.In addition, the Skin Care Foundation recommends seeing a dermatologist once a year for a full-body exam.During the exam, your doctor will check your skin from head (yes, your scalp) to toes (and even between them). They will note any spots they want to monitor over time. If they are concerned about anything, they will do a quick biopsy. The entire exam takes roughly 20 minutes.While the Skin Cancer Foundation doesn’t specify a starting age, you can ask your doctor during your annual physical.Colorectal Cancer ScreeningWhat should people know about colorectal cancer?Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, parts of the large intestine. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the third most common cancer in both men and women, other than skin cancers.What does colorectal cancer screening look like?There are two ways to check for colorectal cancer. A stool-based test checks the stool for signs of cancer. A colonoscopy is a visual check that looks at the colon and rectum for abnormalities.During a colonoscopy, a doctor inserts a colonoscope through the anus and into the rectum and colon. A colonoscope is a flexible tube (about as wide as a finger) outfitted with a light and small video camera.When should people screen for colorectal cancer?Adults ages 45 to 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer, though the end age depends on the individual, their health, and the doctor. Here are the recommended screenings:Colonoscopy\u00a0\u2014The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a colonoscopy every 10 years, more often if you have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Your doctor can help determine the appropriate timing.\u00a0Stool test \u2014 The CDC recommends that you do the stool test every year. If the results seem suspicious, your doctor can follow up with a colonoscopy.Lung Cancer ScreeningWhat should people know about lung cancer?The ACS reports lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women, excluding skin cancer. In men, prostate cancer is more common. Breast cancer is more common in women. Because of its high fatality rate, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women.When should people screen for lung cancer?The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual screening for those who are at a higher risk of getting lung cancer. The test is performed using a low-dose computed tomography scan. During this scan, you lie on a table while the machine takes detailed images of your lungs. High-risk groups include people 50 to 80 years old who meet the following criteria:Have a history of heavy smoking. Heavy smoking is defined as a history of 20 pack-years or more. The CDC defines a pack-year as averaging a pack of cigarettes a day for a year. (Going by this standard, 20 pack-years could mean smoking a pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.)Smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.Taking charge of your health is vital. Managing cancer screenings through your lifetime is an important step.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on December 15, 2021, and was last reviewed on March 7, 2025.SourcesAmerican Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2025..  American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Melanoma Skin Cancer..  Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin Cancer 101.  American Cancer Society. How to Do a Skin Self-Exam.  Skin Cancer Foundation. Annual Exams..  American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer..  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Screenings for Colorectal Cancer.  American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Lung Cancer.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Screenings for Lung Cancer.  "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2021","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"12","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/\/12\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Cancer Screenings Through Your Lifetime","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/12\/cancer-screenings\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]