Screen Smart: Cancer Screenings Every Senior Should Know
October 2, 2026
Staying healthy as you age means taking a proactive approach to preventive care.
One of the most important ways to protect your health is by keeping up with recommended cancer screenings. These tests can help find cancer early — often before symptoms appear — when treatment may be more effective and outcomes are often better, detecting precancerous changes before actual cancer develops. As a Mount Carmel MediGold member, your plan is designed to support you with benefits and programs that make such proactive measures more manageable.
It's natural to feel nervous about cancer screenings. Some people worry about what the results might reveal, while others may feel uncomfortable with the test itself or assume that if they feel healthy, screening isn't necessary. However, cancer screenings are a powerful means to take control of your health and gain peace of mind. Early detection has helped save countless lives.
Why cancer screenings matter
Routine screenings can:
- Detect cancer early, when treatment is often most successful.
- Identify precancerous growths before they become cancerous.
- Expand treatment options and improve outcomes.
- Support long-term health, independence and quality of life.1
Colorectal cancer screening
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers among older adults. Screening can detect abnormal polyps before they become cancerous and identify cancer at an earlier stage.2
Recommendations
- Regular screening is recommended through age 75.
- Adults ages 76 to 85 should discuss screening with their health care provider based on their health history and prior screenings.
Common screening options
- Colonoscopy
- At-home stool tests
- Other provider-recommended screening methods
Breast cancer screening
Breast cancer risk increases with age, making regular mammograms an important part of preventive care. Mammograms can find cancer before symptoms develop, improving the likelihood of successful treatment.3
Recommendations
- Women ages 40 to 74 should receive a mammogram every one to two years.
- Women age 75 and older should talk with their physician about whether continued screening is right for them.
Other screenings to discuss with your provider
Depending on your age, health history and risk factors, your provider may also recommend:
- Lung cancer screening: Annual low-dose CT scans for certain adults ages 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history.
- Cervical cancer screening: Most women can stop routine screening after age 65 if prior screenings have been normal and they are not high risk.
- Skin cancer checks: Regular self-exams and discussions about any new or changing spots or moles.
- Prostate cancer screening: Men should discuss the potential benefits and risks of screening with their physician.
Check out Chapter 4 of your Explanation of Coverage (EOC) to learn more about screening options available to you and costs.
Simple ways to lower cancer risk
While screenings are important, healthy habits also play a role in cancer prevention.
- Stay physically active.
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Protect your skin from prolonged sun exposure.
- Keep up with annual wellness visits and preventive care.
Members have access to fitness programs, gym memberships or senior-focused exercise classes through One Pass®. These benefits are designed to help you stay active safely and confidently. Click here to learn more.
Check out Chapter 4 of your EOC to learn more about your Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) benefit.*
Take charge of your health
Cancer screening recommendations are not one-size-fits-all. Your age, overall health, family history and personal preferences all matter. Use your AWV as an opportunity to review recommended screenings and create a prevention plan with your primary care provider. Staying informed today can help support a healthier tomorrow.
*The AWV is free for members, but any tests, screenings or additional services may have a copay.
1 Cancer Screening in Older Adults | AFP
2 Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement | Colorectal Cancer | JAMA | JAMA Network
3 Clinician Summary: Breast Cancer: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce