Regular health screenings increase the odds of early detection and successful treatment. These screenings might be recommended based on factors like age and medical history and are covered at 100% for CalPERS Basic plan members when using doctors in your network. If you’re a Medicare member, the benefit coverage varies.
Breast cancer screening guidelines are as follows:
- Starting at age 40, women should have a mammogram every two years.
- If you’re at higher risk for breast cancer, consult with a health care provider about when to begin mammograms and if additional tests are needed.
- Be familiar with the normal appearance and feel of your breasts and report any changes to a health care provider immediately.
Cervical cancer testing guidelines are as follows:
- No test is needed before age 21.
- Starting at age 21, individuals with a cervix should get a Pap test every three years until age 29. From 30 to 65 years, testing options include a co-test (HPV test + Pap test) or HPV test alone every five years or a Pap test alone every three years.
- Regular screening is important, even if you’ve been vaccinated against HPV.
- No testing is required after a cervix removal surgery unless it was related to cervical cancer or pre-cancer.
Colon cancer testing guidelines:
- People at average risk should start testing at age 45, with various test options available.
- Consult with a health care provider to determine the best test and schedule.
- If you’re under 45, assess if you’re at higher risk due to family history, genetic conditions, or other factors. If not, testing is not needed yet. If you’re at increased risk, talk to your health care provider about when to begin testing and which tests are appropriate.
Lung cancer screening guidelines:
- People ages 50 to 80 with a history of smoking (at least 20 pack-years) should get yearly lung cancer screenings using a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan.
- A pack-year is defined as smoking one pack (20 cigarettes) per day for a year (for example, one pack per day for 20 years, or two packs per day for 10 years).
- Before deciding to screen, discuss with your health care provider the purpose, method, benefits, and potential risks of screening.
Prostate cancer testing guidelines:
- Men at higher-than-average risk (including Black men and those with a close family history of prostate cancer before age 65) should discuss testing with a doctor. This helps weigh the risks, uncertainties, and benefits of testing. In determining whether this service is appropriate in individual cases, patients and clinicians should consider the balance of benefits and harms based on family history, race/ethnicity, comorbid medical conditions, patient values about the benefits and harms of screening and treatment-specific outcomes, and other health needs.
To reduce cancer risk and improve overall health:
Avoid tobacco: There is no safe form of tobacco. Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke. It causes cancer and other health issues. If you need help quitting, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases cancer risk. Balance calories consumed with physical activity, avoid excessive weight gain, and make healthier food choices. Small weight loss can be beneficial, and controlling portion sizes is key.
Get moving: In general, limit time spent sitting or lying down. Additionally:
- Adults: Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity weekly.
- Children and teens: Get at least one hour of moderate or vigorous activity daily.
Eat healthy: Include lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit red meats, processed meats, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods.
Limit alcohol: While it’s best not to drink alcohol at all, if you drink, stick to one drink per day for women, or two per day for men.
Adopting these habits can significantly improve your health and reduce your risk of cancer.