Screening Guidelines for Common Cancers in Georgia
According to Georgia’s most recent Cancer Control Plan (2019), breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer account for 51 percent of all cancer deaths in Georgia. Those four, along with cervical cancer, are also among the most preventable, and there are screenings available for them here in Georgia. Find out where through your local Regional Cancer Coalition.
Breast Cancer
Women ages 40-44 may choose to start annual mammograms. Women between the ages 45 and 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening.
See our free online tool to assess hereditary risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
Cervical Cancer
Women between the ages of 25 and 65 should get a primary HPV (human papillomavirus) test every 5 years. If a primary HPV test is not available, a co-test (an HPV test with a Pap test) every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years. Learn more about the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer.
Colon Cancer
People at average risk for colon cancer should start screening at age 45 with a sensitive, at-home stool test or visual exam with a colonoscopy.
Lung Cancer
While guidelines are currently being updated based on new science, most organizations recommend yearly lung cancer screening with LDCT scans for people who:
- are 50 to 80 years old and in fairly good health, and
- currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years, and
- have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history.
Prostate Cancer
Starting at age 50, men should talk to a health care provider about the pros and cons of testing so they can decide if testing is the right choice for them. If you are African American or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65, you should have this talk with a health care provider starting at age 45. Georgia insurers should share coverage options for screenings with patients starting at age 45. Those who are ordered by their physicians to undergo annual prostate-specific antigen tests starting at age 40 should also have insurance coverage options.
For more information about screenings for these cancers and others, please visit the American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer.
Last Updated: 5/16/2023 2:34:35 PM