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 a
screening location here.
Find out if you are at risk for breast cancer, by taking our free breast cancer risk quiz.
Cervical
Screenings are recommended for all women age 21 and older, or upon becoming sexually active.
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Periodic Pap smears with frequency based on age (after three normal tests, a woman may need smears less frequently)
Click here to find a gynecologist near you.
Colorectal
Screenings are recommended for all adults age 45 and older, or younger if at high risk*.
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Colonoscopy, the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, is recommended every 10 years, or
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Fecal occult blood test every year, or
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Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, or
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Double-contrast barium enema every five years
Find a gastroenterologist here.
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 77 (some insurances may cover up to 80)
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20 pack-year smoking history (A smoking history equal to smoking a pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years or smoking two packs a day for 10 years)
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Current smoker or a former smoker who quit smoking less than 15 years ago
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No signs or symptoms of lung cancer, such as shortness of breath, coughing up blood, unexplained fevers, chills, or weight loss (a doctor can determine if another condition is causing these symptoms)
Click here to learn more about lung cancer screening.
If you’re a current or former smoker, take our free lung cancer risk quiz to understand your risk for lung cancer.
Prostate
Men age 50 and older at average risk, should be screened, or younger if at high risk. Men should talk to their medical provider about the value of two types of prostate cancer screenings:
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Digital rectal exams
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.
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