--- title: "Cancer prevention: 4 screenings you should know about" description: Did you know that cancer is often most treatable when detected early? Screenings can identify cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. image: https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/hubfs/iStock-1352435554.jpg --- [![MGB_Health_Plan_horiz_rgb-1](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/hubfs/Mass%20General%20Brigham%20Health%20Plan/Logos/MGB_Health_Plan_horiz_rgb-1.svg)](https://www.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/) ![](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/hubfs/iStock-1352435554.jpg) # Cancer prevention: 4 screenings you should know about Published by [Michael Buttimer](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/author/michael-buttimer) on February 04, 2025 Whether it’s a family member, friend, colleague, or ourselves, many of us have been impacted by cancer in some way. But did you know that cancer is often most treatable when detected early? Screenings can identify cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages, sometimes even before symptoms appear. This is important because certain types of cancer, like breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, often don’t show noticeable symptoms until they have spread. Continue reading to learn how to protect yourself and how many of these screenings are covered by your health insurance. ### Common types of cancer screenings There are several different types of screenings designed to catch specific types of cancer in their early stages. Below are some common screenings recommended for people based on their age, sex, and risk factors. **1. Breast cancer: Mammogram** **2. Cervical cancer: Pap smear and HPV test** **3. Colorectal (colon) cancer: Colonoscopy** **4. Lung cancer: Low-dose CT scan** ### Talk to your doctor and plan ahead If you have questions, talk with your doctor about which screenings are appropriate. They can help you understand the benefits and risks of different screening methods based on your health status and family history. If you’re a Mass General Brigham Health Plan member, [many of these screenings](https://resources.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/sales/pdfs/Mass_General_Brigham_Health_Plan_Covered_Preventive_Services_Flyer.pdf) are covered at no cost when delivered by a network provider. If you have a different health plan, check with your insurance provider before scheduling a screening to understand if there are any costs associated with the procedure. Stay connected with Mass General Brigham Health Plan on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mgbhealthplan/), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgbhealthplan), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MGBHealthPlan/), and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@massgeneralbrighamhealthplan). [Back to Blog](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org) ## Related articles ## [Mammograms matter: Early detection can save lives](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/mammograms-matter-early-detection-can-save-lives) Mammograms are powerful tools for catching breast cancer early—when it’s most treatable. This... [Read More](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/mammograms-matter-early-detection-can-save-lives) ## [A community-wide commitment to improving colorectal cancer screening rates among the underserved](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/a-community-wide-commitment-to-improving-colorectal-cancer-screening-rates-among-the-underserved) Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. And yet,... [Read More](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/a-community-wide-commitment-to-improving-colorectal-cancer-screening-rates-among-the-underserved) ## [Have you been screened for cervical cancer?](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/have-you-been-screened-for-cervical-cancer) Did you know that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women? However, with... [Read More](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/have-you-been-screened-for-cervical-cancer) Back to Top © 2026 Mass General Brigham Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.