From Capital Blue Cross
Photo courtesy of Nappy on Unsplash
New research shows just how powerful preventive cancer screenings can be. A recent analysis from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association found that people who stay up to date on screenings are far more likely to catch breast and colorectal cancer at its earliest – and most treatable – stage.
In many cases, screenings help doctors find cancer before symptoms appear, which means patients often avoid more invasive tests and treatments down the road.
The study also noted that average per‑patient spending in the 12 months after diagnosis is significantly lower when cancer is found through a preventive screening, underscoring the financial benefits of catching cancer early.
“This new research reinforces what we’ve seen for years – preventive screenings truly save lives,” said Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Chief Medical Officer at Capital Blue Cross. “When cancer is found early, people have more treatment options and less physical and financial strain. Taking the time to get screened is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect your health.”
Screenings you should know about
Colorectal cancer screening
Colorectal cancer is preventable and highly treatable, especially if caught early. Most colon cancer cases occur in people older than 50, and screening is recommended starting at age 45. Unfortunately, only half of adults have been screened by their early 50s (age 50-54).
Six different screening tests are available, all of which are effective at finding signs of cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Some tests can be done at home, while others need to be performed in a clinic or at your healthcare provider’s office.
Breast cancer screening
Regular mammograms are the most effective tests available to find breast cancer early. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women 40 to 74 years old at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years.
Younger women should talk to their provider about when to start and how often they should get a mammogram. Women should speak with their provider to weigh the benefits and risks of screening tests when deciding whether to begin getting mammograms before age 40.
Cervical cancer screening
Regular Pap and HPV tests are crucial for detecting cervical cancer early. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If the results are normal, your doctor may recommend waiting three years until your next Pap test.
For those aged 30 to 65, there are several testing options to consider. Talk to your provider about which of them is right for you:
- Pap test only – The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women in this age group can opt for a Pap test alone every three years if the results are normal.
- HPV test only (primary HPV testing) – ACOG also recommends primary HPV testing every five years for women aged 30 to 65 if the results are normal.
- Co-testing (HPV test and Pap test) – Co-testing with both an HPV test and a Pap test every five years is another option recommended by ACOG for women in this age group if both results are normal.
Prostate cancer screening
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. Screening for prostate cancer usually involves a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and, in some cases, a digital rectal exam (DRE).
The American Cancer Society recommends that men discuss the potential benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with their healthcare provider starting at age 50. Men at higher risk, such as African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, should have this discussion starting at age 45.
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