Early detection of colorectal, cervical, anal, and breast cancer is essential to survival. Full stop.

Words by Daniel Vaillancourt

Cancer screenings are among the safest, most effective tools in modern medicine for early detection, prevention, and life-saving intervention. For many types of cancer, catching the disease early — before symptoms arise — can make all the difference. This is especially true for colorectal, cervical, anal, and breast cancers, all of which are highly treatable when detected at an initial stage.

Here’s what you need to know about each of these critical screenings: what they do, how often to get them, and why they matter for your long-term health.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Why it’s important:

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. It often begins as benign polyps in the colon or rectum, which can be removed before they turn cancerous — making early screening potentially life-saving.

What it involves:

• Colonoscopy (gold standard): A flexible tube with a camera checks the colon for polyps or cancer. Polyps can often be removed during the procedure.
• Stool-based tests: Include FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) and Cologuard, which detect blood or DNA markers in stool.

Who performs it:

• Colonoscopy: Performed by a gastroenterologist.
• Stool tests: Ordered by your primary care provider, done at home, and sent to a lab.

How often:

• Average risk individuals: Begin at age 45, then every 10 years for colonoscopy, or every one to three years for stool tests.
• Higher risk (family history, IBD, genetic conditions): May need earlier and more frequent screening.

Cervical Cancer Screening

Why it’s important:

Thanks to widespread Pap smear use, cervical cancer deaths have decreased significantly in recent decades. Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV, which can cause changes in cervical cells long before cancer develops.

What it involves:

• Pap test: Collects cells from the cervix to detect precancerous or cancerous changes.
• HPV test: Screens for high-risk strains of the virus that can lead to cervical cancer.

Who performs it:

Typically done by OB/GYNs, nurse practitioners, or primary care providers during a pelvic exam. 

How often:

• Start at age 21: Pap test every three years.
• Age 30 to 65: Co-testing (Pap + HPV) every five years, or Pap alone every three years.
• Over 65: Screening may stop if past tests have been normal.

Anal Cancer Screening

Why it’s important:

Anal cancer is relatively rare, but its rates are rising — especially among certain higher-risk populations, including:

• People living with HIV
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)
• Anyone with a history of HPV (human papillomavirus) infection

Since anal cancer is often linked to high-risk HPV strains, regular screenings can detect pre-cancerous changes before they become invasive.

What it involves:

• Anal Pap test (anal cytology): Similar to a cervical Pap smear, this test collects cells from the anal canal to check for abnormalities.
• If results are abnormal, a provider may recommend high-resolution anoscopy, where the anal canal is examined with a magnifying device.

Who performs it:

Specialized primary care providers, infectious disease physicians, or colorectal specialists trained in LGBTQ+ inclusive care.

How often:

There are no universal guidelines, but high-risk individuals may need screening every one to two years. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors.

Breast Cancer Screening

Why it’s important:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (after skin cancer). Regular screening helps detect tumors early — often before they can be felt — and greatly improves survival rates.

What it involves:

• Mammogram: A low-dose X-ray of the breast that can spot abnormalities like lumps or microcalcifications.

Who performs it:

Conducted by radiologic technologists at imaging centers. Results are interpreted by a radiologist.

How often:

• Most guidelines recommend beginning at age 40, with annual or biennial mammograms.
• Women with a family history or genetic risk may need earlier or more frequent screenings, often supplemented with MRI.

Why It All Matters

Early Detection Saves Lives

Many cancers, including those listed above, are highly treatable when found early. Screening gives you the power to act before symptoms appear or when treatment options are least invasive.

Screenings Can Prevent Cancer Entirely

In some cases, such as with cervical and colorectal cancers, precancerous lesions can be removed before they become dangerous.

They’re Quick, Safe, and Often Covered

Most screenings are minimally invasive, widely available, and covered by insurance, especially under preventive care benefits.

Take Charge of Your Health

Screening isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about giving yourself the best chance at a long, healthy life. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or better, it’s never too early — or too late — to talk to your provider about which cancer screenings are right for you.

If you’re unsure where to start, ask your DAP Health primary care provider, “What screenings do I need based on my age, history, and risk?”

Your future self will thank you.

To make an appointment with your primary care provider, please use MyChart, or call your preferred DAP Health location. To become a new DAP Health patient, please click here.