How to test for cancer at home

Recommended cancer screening tests

Several cancer screening tests are considered effective and recommended by expert groups. 

Breast cancer screening

Screening mammography has been shown to reduce deaths from breast cancer among women ages 40 to 74, especially those ages 50 to 69.

Expert groups generally recommend that women begin breast cancer screening at age 40.

For more information, see the Mammograms fact sheet and the PDQ Breast Cancer Screening summary.

Cervical cancer screening

Human papillomavirus (HPV) tests and Pap tests are recommended cervical cancer screening tests that can be used alone or in combination.

These tests prevent the disease because they allow abnormal cells to be found and treated before they become cancer.

Expert groups generally recommend that testing begin at age 21 and end at age 65 (for women who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk for cervical cancer).

For more information, see Cervical Cancer Screening.

Colorectal cancer screening

Several screening tests, including co

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