Early detection of cancer leads to improved treatment outcomes. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has developed screening recommendations for the following five cancers:
Cancer Screening Quick Guide
Breast Cancer
| Ages 40-74: | Mammogram every 2 years |
For more information or to learn if you qualify for free breast and cervical cancer screening, please visit the Every Woman’s Life Program page.
Colorectal Cancer
| Ages 45-75: | Colonoscopy every 10 years, or at-home stool-based test every 1 to 3 years |
Cervical Cancer
| Ages 21-29: | Pap test every 3 years |
| Ages 30-65: | Pap test alone every 3 years, high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing alone every 5 years, or HPV testing and a Pap test at the same time (co-testing) every 5 years |
For more information or to learn if you qualify for free breast and cervical cancer screening, please visit the Every Woman’s Life Program page.
Lung Cancer
| Ages 50-80: |
Screen using a low-dose CT scan if you:
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*1 pack of cigarettes/day x 20 years = 20 pack-years; 2 packs of cigarettes/day for 10 years = 20 pack-years
Prostate Cancer
| Ages 55-69: | Screening should be a shared decision between the individual and the doctor |
The Virginia Department of Health’s Every Woman’s Life Program helps uninsured, low-income women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screening services.
Contact us at cancer@vdh.virginia.gov.
Last Updated: July 18, 2025