Early Detection Saves Lives: Your Cancer Screening Guide

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, but early detection dramatically improves survival rates. For many cancers, when caught at an early stage, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%. Yet African Americans are diagnosed at later stages and have higher mortality rates for several cancers, including colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. African Americans develop colorectal cancer at younger ages than other groups. The American Cancer Society recommends that Black adults begin regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45 — earlier if there is a family history.

Breast cancer mortality rates are 40% higher in Black women than in white women, despite similar incidence rates. This disparity is largely due to later-stage diagnosis and differences in tumor biology. Annual mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 for average-risk women, and earlier for those with a family history or genetic risk factors.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Black men, who are 70% more likely to develop it and more than twice as likely to die from it compared to white men. Discuss prostate cancer screening with your doctor starting at age 40 if you are Black or have a family history.

Cervical cancer is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular Pap smears. Women should begin Pap smears at age 21 and continue every three years through age 65. HPV vaccination is recommended for all people through age 26, and may be considered for some adults up to age 45.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Annual low-dose CT scans are recommended for adults aged 50–80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. If you smoke, quitting is the single most important thing you can do for your health.