Cancer diagnoses are rising in young adults: When should you start regular cancer screenings?

With the recent uptick in cancer rates among younger adults (between 20-39), the American Cancer Society (ACS) has changed its one-size-fits-all approach to screening guidelines, which can be confusing for those who have risk factors or symptoms. Now the ACS advises patients to recognize their cancer risk factors, such as family history and lifestyle, and discuss symptoms to determine if screening or evaluation of symptoms is needed earlier than standard guidelines.

“It’s very important to follow the guidelines for regular cancer screening. However, if you have risk factors or any symptoms, like a breast or testicular lump, blood in your stool, a new mole on your skin or abnormal vaginal bleeding, don’t wait for screening guidelines; discuss a proper evaluation with your doctor immediately,” said Howard Kaufman, MD, regional medical director of Huntington Cancer Center, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “No matter your age, advocating for your health is always right; it can detect cancer early, which increases treatment efficacy.”

Here is the ACS’s breakdown of some common cancers occurring in younger adults and current screening guidelines:

Skin Cancer  

Ages 18 and up: Experts recommend doing a skin self-exam once a month – especially for those with increased risk factors for skin cancer, such as family history, previous skin cancer diagnosis, fair skin, reduced immunity and having many moles/skin spots. Consult with your doctor about skin exams and report any changes immediately.

Breast Cancer

Ages 21-39: Find out if you have an increased risk for breast cancer. Some of these risks could include family history, genes, having dense breast tissue, taking hormones, being overweight/obese, being sedentary, smoking, moderate/high alcohol use and other factors. If you are at higher risk, and/or you notice changes to your breast(s), talk to your doctor about screening immediately.

Those with an average risk should get a mammogram every year starting at age 45.

Colorectal Cancer

Ages 21-39: Determine if you have an increased risk for colon cancer due to family history, genetic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, being overweight/obese, smoking, a diet high in red or processed meat, moderate/high alcohol use and other risk factors. If you are at higher risk, talk to your doctor about screening right away If you have symptoms, request an evaluation by a specialist such as a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon.

Everyone with an average risk should start screening for colon cancer at age 45.

Cervical Cancer

Ages 25-65: Starting at age 25 people with a cervix should be tested every five years for human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus linked to cervical cancer. Most cervical cancers can be detected early or prevented with screening. HPV vaccines can also prevent cervical cancer, especially if given at a young age and before sexual debut. If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding (a common symptom of cervical cancer) consult your doctor immediately.

Lung Cancer

Ages 50-80: Annual screening is recommended for this age group, specifically for those who smoke or used to smoke and have at least a 20-pack-year history of smoking (i.e., a pack a day for 20 years, two packs a day for 10 years). Screening is vital because symptoms tend to not appear unless the disease is advanced; however, screening is not an alternative to quitting smoking, which lowers your risk.

To learn more about preventive screenings, schedule an appointment with a Huntington Health primary care physician, go to: Find a Doctor | Huntington Hospital