May is Women’s Health Month, a time to spotlight the importance of preventive care and early detection of potentially life-altering conditions. At Tennessee Oncology, we believe proactive screening is one of the most powerful tools in caring for patients and our communities. When cancers are found early, treatment options are often more effective, less invasive, and associated with better outcomes.
According to the American Cancer Society, here are four key cancer screenings recommended for women that can make a life-saving difference.
Mammogram (Breast Cancer Screening)
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the United States, and is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. Breast cancer can occur at any age, and early detection significantly improves survival rates.
Getting regular screening tests is the best way to find breast cancer early. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that can detect breast cancer before symptoms appear.
Who should get screened?
Most guidelines recommend mammograms starting at age 40, though recommendations may vary based on personal and family history. The American Cancer Society recommends the following for women at average risk for breast cancer:
- Women ages 40 to 44 should have the option to start yearly breast cancer screening with a mammogram (x-ray of the breast).
- Women ages 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year.
- Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening.
Why it matters:
- Detects cancer early, often before a lump can be felt
- Improves treatment options and outcomes
- Can identify changes in breast tissue over time
If you are unsure when to begin screening, talk with your healthcare provider about your individual risk factors.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is cancer is the third most common cancer and the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death in women. While colorectal cancer rates are dropping overall, rates in people younger than 50 are rising, and colorectal cancer has now become the most common cause of cancer-related death in this group.
Colorectal cancer affects both women and men and often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages. Most colorectal cancers start with a polyp, which is a small growth in the colon or rectum. Screening can detect precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Who should get screened?
Adults should begin screening at age 45, though earlier screening may be recommended for those with a family history or other risk factors.
Screening options include:
- Colonoscopy
- Stool-based tests
- Other imaging-based methods, depending on risk level
Why it matters:
- Can prevent cancer by removing polyps early
- Detects cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage
- One of the most effective cancer screening tools available
If you’re at high risk:
If you’re at high risk of colorectal cancer, you might need to start screening before age 45, be screened more often, or get specific tests. You might be at higher risk if you have:
- A personal history of polyps, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or radiation to your abdomen (belly) or pelvic area
- A family history of polyps, colorectal cancer, or a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer is the second-most common type of cancer in women in the United States, and the leading cause of cancer death for that population. Factors that increase the risk of lung cancer include tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos, air pollution, and cancer-causing chemicals. Having had previous radiation therapy to your lungs and a personal or family history of lung cancer can also increase your risk.
Who should get screened?
Low-dose CT scans are typically recommended for adults who:
- Are aged 50–80
- Have a significant smoking history
- Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
Why it matters:
- Detects lung cancer before symptoms develop
- Improves survival rates in high-risk populations
- Uses a quick, non-invasive scan
Cervical Cancer Screening
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all cervical cancers. HPV is a very common virus that almost everyone who has had sexual contact has been infected at least once. However, certain types of HPV can cause cancer.
Cervical cancer is highly preventable with regular screening and the HPV vaccination. Screening typically includes a Pap test, an HPV test, or both. Regular screening can help find:
- Changes in your cervix that can be treated before they become cancer
- Cervical cancer in its early stages, when treatment is more likely to be successful
Who should get screened?
- Pap tests generally begin at age 21
- Women aged 30–65 may receive a Pap test every 3 years, an HPV test every 5 years, or co-testing as recommended by their provider
Why it matters:
- Detects precancerous changes before they become cancer
- Helps identify high-risk HPV infections early
- Enables timely treatment and prevention
The Power of Prevention
Cancer screenings are not just routine appointments, but proactive steps toward protecting your health. Many cancers develop silently, without symptoms, which is why staying current on recommended screenings is so important.
At Tennessee Oncology, our mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive care while empowering patients with knowledge and access to early detection tools.
If you’re unsure which screenings are right for you, talk with your primary care provider or oncology specialist. Your health history, age, and risk factors all play a role in creating the right screening plan.
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This content is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Information in this post is based on content from the American Cancer Society.
