{"id":147679,"date":"2026-02-17T21:09:48","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T02:09:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=147679"},"modified":"2026-02-17T21:09:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T02:09:48","slug":"health-screenings-what-new-research-reveals-about-early-detection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=147679","title":{"rendered":"Health Screenings: What New Research Reveals About Early Detection"},"content":{"rendered":"

Health Screenings: What New Research Reveals About Early Detection<\/strong><\/p>\n

By Capital Blue Cross<\/em><\/p>\n

New research shows just how powerful preventive cancer screenings can be. A recent analysis from the\u00a0Blue Cross Blue Shield Association<\/a>\u00a0found that people who stay up to date on screenings are far more likely to catch breast and colorectal cancer at its earliest \u2013 and most treatable \u2013 stage.<\/p>\n

In many cases, screenings help doctors find cancer before symptoms appear, which means patients often avoid more invasive tests and treatments down the road.<\/p>\n

The study also noted that average per\u2011patient spending in the 12 months after diagnosis is significantly lower when cancer is found through a preventive screening, underscoring the financial benefits of catching cancer early.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis new research reinforces what we\u2019ve seen for years \u2013 preventive screenings truly save lives,\u201d said Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Chief Medical Officer at Capital Blue Cross. \u201cWhen cancer is found early, people have more treatment options and less physical and financial strain. Taking the time to get screened is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect your health.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Screenings you should know about<\/strong><\/p>\n

Colorectal cancer screening<\/strong>
\nColorectal cancer is preventable and highly treatable, especially if caught early. Most colon cancer cases occur in\u00a0people older than 50<\/a>, and screening is recommended\u00a0starting at age 45<\/a>. Unfortunately,\u00a0only half of adults have been screened by their early 50s (age 50\u201354)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Six different screening tests are available, all of which are effective at finding signs of cancer early, when it\u2019s easier to treat. Some tests can be done at home, while others need to be performed in a clinic or at your healthcare provider\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

Breast cancer screening<\/strong>
\nRegular mammograms are the most effective tests available to find breast cancer early. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women\u00a040 to 74 years old<\/a>\u00a0at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years.<\/p>\n

Younger women should talk to their provider about when to start and how often they should get a mammogram. Women should speak with their provider to weigh the benefits and risks of screening tests when deciding whether to begin getting mammograms before age 40.<\/p>\n

Cervical cancer screening<\/strong>
\nRegular Pap and HPV tests are crucial for detecting cervical cancer early. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women should start getting Pap tests\u00a0at age 21<\/a>. If the results are normal, your doctor may recommend waiting three years until your next Pap test.<\/p>\n

For those aged 30 to 65, there are several testing options to consider. Talk to your provider about which of them is right for you:<\/p>\n