As we look ahead to a fresh new year, there’s one step you can take right now to invest in your long-term health: scheduling your annual cancer screenings. These routine tests remain some of the most powerful tools in preventing cancer or detecting it early, when treatment is most effective, and outcomes are strongest.
At the GW Cancer Center, we’re encouraging community members across the region to get out their calendars and set up screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers. Even if you feel healthy, even if you’re busy, even if you’re not sure if you’re “due,” starting the conversation now can save a life. Maybe yours. Maybe someone you love.
Below is a guide to help you understand the recommended screenings and why they make such a meaningful difference.
Breast Cancer Screening
Who should get screened:
- Women aged 40 and older should begin annual mammograms.
- Those with a family history or higher genetic risk may need to start earlier.
Why it matters:
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, but it’s also one of the most treatable when found early. Mammograms can identify tumors long before they can be felt — sometimes years earlier — giving patients more treatment options and a much higher chance of cure. Early-stage breast cancer may require less aggressive treatment, cause less disruption to daily life, and lead to better outcomes overall. Simply put: the earlier we find it, the easier it is to treat.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Who should get screened:
- Ages 21–29: Pap test every 3 years
- Ages 30–65: Pap + HPV test or HPV test every 5 years
Why it matters:
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. A Pap or HPV test can detect changes in the cervix years before they turn into cancer. This means that precancerous cells can be monitored or treated early, preventing cancer from developing altogether. Thanks to screening and HPV vaccination, cervical cancer rates in regularly screened populations have dropped dramatically. But missed screenings allow those precancerous changes to grow unnoticed.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Who should get screened:
- Adults should begin screening at age 45
- Earlier screening may be needed for people with a family history or GI conditions
Why it matters:
Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that screening can actually prevent. Colonoscopies can find and remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. Even non-invasive stool tests can identify early signs of abnormal changes. Colorectal cancer often develops silently, without symptoms for years. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is more advanced and harder to treat. Routine screening dramatically reduces both the incidence of colorectal cancer and the risk of dying from it.
Lung Cancer Screening
Who should get screened:
You may qualify for a low-dose CT scan if you:
- Are 50–80 years old
- Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
- Have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history
Why it matters:
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States—but it doesn’t have to be. The challenge is that lung cancer usually has no symptoms until it’s advanced. Low-dose CT scans can find lung cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages, when survival rates are significantly higher. Screening can reduce the risk of dying from lung cancer by 20–33%, depending on the population. For many, this annual scan is a critical, lifesaving opportunity.
And importantly: anyone can get lung cancer, not just smokers. Screening programs focus on high-risk groups because they benefit most, but vigilance about symptoms and risk factors is crucial for everyone.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Who should be screened:
- Most men should begin discussing screening at age 50
- Those at higher risk (Black men or those with a family history of prostate cancer) may need to start earlier
Why it matters:
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and many early cases cause no symptoms at all. Screening with the PSA blood test helps detect prostate cancer early, when it is highly treatable and often curable. Detecting early-stage prostate cancer can mean simpler treatments, fewer complications, and a better quality of life. For communities facing higher risk — including Black men, who experience higher incidence and mortality — early discussion and screening are especially important.
Your Future Self Will Thank You
Making the call for a screening appointment may take just a few minutes, but it could make all the difference in your health journey. When you schedule screenings now, before the year fills up with obligations, you give yourself the gift of preparation, peace of mind, and empowerment.
At the GW Cancer Center, we’re here to support you. Whether you need information about eligibility, local screening programs, or understanding your personal risk, we’re ready to help you navigate your options.
Let’s step into 2026 with intention, care, and a commitment to early detection. Because prevention isn’t just a medical strategy, it’s an act of love for yourself and your community.
Ready to schedule?
Talk with your primary care provider or visit the GW Cancer Center’s screening resources to get started.
