Getting screened regularly for cancer can save your life
Regular screening gives you the best chance of finding cancer early when it’s small and before it has spread. Many factors can impact your need for cancer screenings including:
- age
- health
- family history
- smoking history
- diet
- exercise
When should I get screened for cancer?
It's important to understand what types of screening are available and when to get screened. Recommendations for cancer screening may differ and not all types of cancer have a screening test.
- Learn more about what types of cancer screenings are available and what questions to ask your doctor on the National Cancer Institute website.
- Learn more about screening recommendations and talk to your doctor about when you should get screened.
- The American Cancer Society website offers cancer screening test recommendations by age.
- The United States Preventive Services Task Force website offers recommendations for cancer screenings.
Are there resources to help me get screened for cancer?
- Explore health insurance options on the Connect for Health Colorado website and learn if you qualify for a subsidy to cover a portion of your health insurance costs.
- Talk to a clinic about cancer screening options and what you qualify for.
- Whether you are insured or not, the Colorado Community Health Network can help you find a doctor and get the medical care you need when you need it.
- Learn what a rural health center is, and where to visit them throughout the state on the Colorado Rural Health Center website.
- Breast and cervical cancer screenings may be available to women who qualify through the Women’s Wellness Connection Program.
- Colorectal cancer screenings may be available to those who qualify under the Clinic Quality Improvement for Population Health (CQI) program for follow-up colonoscopy.
- Komen also offers low-cost or free breast cancer screening options to women who qualify.
- CDPHE’s Cancer Prevention and Control programs offer resources for the prevention, treatment, and control of cancer.
Why does my family health history matter?
Some cancers have genetic links. Having relatives with cancer may increase the risk of developing cancer for you and your family.
- The American Cancer Society provides information about cancers that can be inherited through family.
- The American Cancer Society provides information about the importance of knowing your genetic risk and how it can impact your risk of developing some cancer.
- The CDC's Family Health History Tools and Resources can help you create a family health portrait to track family health history, including cancer.