Cancer Screening Rules Are Changing. Are You Up to Date?

Personalized screening, earlier detection, and new technologies are transforming the fight against cancer.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Cancer screening is becoming more personalized and accessible, with new guidelines, technologies, and programs aimed at improving early detection and prevention. Experts emphasize the importance of consulting with doctors to develop individualized screening plans based on risk factors, and highlight advancements like at-home HPV tests and low-dose CT scans that are making screenings more convenient and effective.

Why it matters

Regular cancer screenings save tens of thousands of lives each year, often detecting the disease before symptoms appear when treatments are most effective. As cancer epidemiology and screening methods evolve, it's crucial for people to understand the latest guidelines and take advantage of new screening options to protect their health.

The details

The trend is moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to cancer screening, with more personalized plans based on individual risk factors. Breast cancer screening is being recommended earlier for younger women, while at-home HPV tests are improving access to cervical cancer screening. Lung cancer screening rates remain low despite guidelines, often due to lack of awareness and fear, though early detection can significantly improve survival. Emerging multi-cancer blood tests show promise but experts caution they are not yet reliable enough to replace established screening methods.

  • The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend annual screening mammography beginning at age 40 for all average-risk women.
  • Current guidelines recommend annual low-dose CT scans for longtime and former smokers between the ages of 50 and 80.
  • NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital was designated an ACR Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence with Distinction in January 2026.

The players

Rebecca Kehm

A cancer epidemiologist at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.

Alexandre Buckley De Meritens

A Columbia gynecologist and surgeon.

Bryan Stanifer

A thoracic surgeon at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Chin Hur

An expert at Columbia University who cautions against over-relying on multi-cancer blood tests for screening.

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What they’re saying

“Screening is the key to fighting cancer because if we catch the disease early, ideally before symptoms appear, treatments are much more likely to be effective.”

— Rebecca Kehm, Cancer epidemiologist (newsy-today.com)

“For people with increased risk, screening has become more individualized over the years. So people should consult with their physician to come up with a screening plan that is right for them.”

— Rebecca Kehm, Cancer epidemiologist (newsy-today.com)

“The significant difference in prognosis between early-stage and late-stage cervical cancer highlights the importance of regular screening.”

— Alexandre Buckley De Meritens, Gynecologist and surgeon (newsy-today.com)

“I'd say these multi-cancer tests aren't ready for routine public leverage just yet. They're promising, but we still need more evidence showing they actually improve patient outcomes.”

— Chin Hur, Expert (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

To learn more about cancer screening services and find a provider, visit MU Health Care or Columbia University Cancer Screening.

The takeaway

As cancer screening guidelines and technologies continue to evolve, it's crucial for people to consult with their doctors to develop personalized screening plans that take into account their individual risk factors. Early detection remains the key to improving cancer outcomes and saving lives.