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Cancer screenings: When and why?

Novant Health doctors address five cancer screenings you need in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond.

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Finding cancer early (think: before symptoms appear) increases survival + positive outcomes.

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40s

25. That’s the age that doctors recommend getting your first cancer screening.

Seem early? (We were surprised, too.)

But it’s true. And Novant Health cancer specialists are here to break down all of the age-recommended screenings you should be scheduling from your 20s to your 60s.

(Note: If you have a family history of cancer, genetic disorders, or other risk factors, you may need to begin screening earlier or consider genetic testing and counseling.)

20s + 30s

40s

50s + 60s

  • Lung cancer screening: People aged 50-80 who smoke or used to smoke + have a 20 pack-year history (20 years of smoking one pack per day) should get yearly lung cancer screenings with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan.

Of course, Novant Health docs suggest making healthy choices to decrease your overall cancer risk, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, staying active, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco altogether.

If your screening returns unexpected results...

Know that Novant Health’s nationally recognized Cancer Institute treats 100 tumor types at their treatment centers and clinics throughout NC, and can help guide you through your cancer journey. Recently-diagnosed patients can also request a second opinion.

Explore Novant Health’s cancer care

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