When Can You Stop Getting Cancer Screenings? 

Cancer screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, are designed to detect cancer as early as possible. General guidelines outline when most people start screenings for different cancers. However, if you have certain risk factors, your provider may recommend starting earlier.

But how long do you need to continue screening? Amanda Wheeler, M.D., a surgical oncologist with Sutter, shares what to consider.

“There isn’t a single age when everyone should start cancer screening or stop cancer screening,” Wheeler says. 

Cancer Screening Ages

Health organizations provide age-based recommendations for cancer screenings. For example, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends starting breast cancer screening at age 40. At that point, many women begin routine mammograms.

Similarly, colorectal cancer screening is generally recommended starting at age 45. This is when many people begin screening, often with a colonoscopy.

“These recommendations are meant for large groups of people, not individuals,” Wheeler says.

If you have a higher risk for certain cancers, your provider may recommend starting earlier.

Decisions about screening — including when to start and when to stop — are often made together with your provider. These conversations may include your family history, personal health and overall risk. 

When to Stop Cancer Screenings

The goal of cancer screening is to detect cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.

“Some cancers grow slowly and some grow more quickly,” Wheeler says. “Screening is most helpful for detecting cancers that develop over time.”

Colorectal cancer is one such cancer. Because of that, screenings like colonoscopy are typically spaced out over several years.

At a certain point, however, screening may no longer offer the same benefit. This varies from person to person.

“We want people to be healthy enough to benefit from early detection,” Wheeler says. “That often comes down to shared decision-making between a doctor and patient during which they consider the patient’s overall health, life expectancy and whether the patient would be able to tolerate and benefit from treatment if cancer were found.”

For example, if someone has a serious health condition that may limit their ability to undergo treatment, continuing certain screenings may not provide meaningful benefit.

Other factors may also come into play, including the potential downsides of continued testing.

Weighing Risks and Benefits

Decisions about screening aren’t always straightforward.

“It really comes down to weighing the benefits and the risks,” Wheeler says.

Screenings can sometimes lead to false positives. This means a test suggests something may be wrong when it’s not.

“False positives can lead to additional testing,” Wheeler says, “and sometimes those tests aren’t necessary.”

Follow-up testing may include imaging, biopsies or other procedures, which carry their own risks. There can also be emotional stress while waiting for results.

Because of this balance, some screenings are recommended only within certain age ranges. For example, prostate cancer screening is often considered between ages 55 and 69 after a discussion with a provider. Routine screening may not be recommended after age 70.

The most important step is having an open conversation with your provider. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks based on your individual situation.

Other tools, such as genetic testing or newer technologies, may also play a role in assessing risk. Your provider can help determine what may be helpful for you.