Keep track of your essential cancer screenings with this handy download

| Healthy You | Chronic Conditions | Wellness

Black-haired woman in a blue shirt and jeans sits on an exam tableand listens as her female doctor shares information.

Which cancer screenings should you get, and when? Here's a look at common tests starting at age 25.

Cancer rates are going up among people younger than 50.  That makes it all the more important to stay current with screenings in middle age, or even earlier for certain types of cancer.

“Finding lung, colorectal and breast cancer at an early stage allows for less aggressive treatment, which can help patients live better and longer,” says Victor Gonzalez, MD, a PeaceHealth radiation oncologist in Bellingham, Washington. “It really is a better situation all around.”

People with cancer may have no symptoms in the early stages, however, so regular screenings are the best way to spot it. 

This downloadable wallet card can help you keep track of when it's time to get screened for common cancers like breast, colon, lung and prostate.

When should you start getting screened?

Here's a look at the milestones to consider for common adult cancer screenings:

Age 25:

  • People with a cervix, start screenings for cervical cancer. This involves a physical exam (pap smear) by a primary care or obstetric/gynecology provider.

Age 40:

  • People at average risk for breast cancer, start getting a yearly mammogram. This imaging test takes about 30 minutes to gather detailed images of your breast tissue.

Age 45:

  • Anyone at average risk for colon cancer, start regular screening. This may involve sending in a test with a stool (poop) sample or a one-day procedure called a colonoscopy.

Age 50: 

  • If you're at average risk for prostate cancer, talk with your doctor about regular screening.  This involves a blood test. It takes a few minutes to collect a sample, and a few days for the results.
  • Start screening for lulung cancer if you smoked at least a pack a day for one year. This usually involves a type of 3-D imaging called a CT (computed tomography) scan. It takes 30-60 minutes to gather detailed pictures of your lungs.

Talk with your primary care provider about these and other screenings that might be right for you based on your age, health history or family history. They may take just a few minutes, and the benefits are immeasurable.
 

More cancer screening info
portrait of Victor J. Gonzalez MD

Victor J. Gonzalez MD

Radiation Oncology
Victor J. Gonzalez, MD, joined the St. Joseph Medical Center's Cancer Center in April 2022. He is a radiation oncologist with primary expertise in breast, lymphoma, hepatobiliary malignancy and Stereotactic Body RadioTherapy (SBRT). Dr. Gonzalez received his undergraduate degree with Highest Honors from the University of Florida. He then earned his medical degree from Florida State University where he was elected to the AOA medical honor society. After his internship in internal medicine at the University of California San Diego, he completed his training in radiation oncology at the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute. Before joining PeaceHealth, Dr. Gonzalez was an associate professor at the University of Arizona Cancer Center where he was director of Radiation Oncology at their Orange Grove clinic. He also served as co-director of the clinical breast program. He has worked closely with medical students and radiation oncology residents and has received accolades for educational contributions. Dr. Gonzalez is active in both the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and the American Radium Society where he is member of the Appropriate Use Criteria committee for developing evidence-based treatment guidelines. His research includes techniques for reducing heart exposure during breast radiotherapy as well as methods for reducing skin toxicity. “Working with patients is by far the most rewarding part of my day,” Dr. Gonzalez says. “Not only do I get the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life, I also get the chance to save lives and alleviate suffering”. When he isn’t working, Dr. Gonzalez enjoys spending time outdoors with his family. His hobbies include hiking, wildlife photography, rock climbing and alpine skiing, including backcountry touring.