9 Common Myths About Cancer Screening and the Facts for Your Patients Who Believe Them

Myth #1: "I feel fine, I don't need to be screened for cancer."

FACTS: Feeling well doesn’t mean you’re cancer-free. Many cancers—such as colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer—develop without symptoms in the early stages. Screening can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable, potentially curable.

Myth #2: “Cancer screening is always going to find cancer.”

FACTS: Cancer screening tests are designed to look for signs of disease in people without symptoms. They can detect abnormalities that may be cancer or precancer. A positive test result means further diagnostic testing (like biopsy or colonoscopy) is needed to confirm a diagnosis.

Myth #3: "Only people with a family history of cancer need screening."

FACTS: Most cancers occur in people without a family history. Population-based screening guidelines are developed for average-risk individuals, regardless of family history. While a family history can raise risk and lead to earlier or more frequent screening, everyone benefits from screening.

MYTH #4: "Cancer screening is dangerous because it exposes me to radiation."

FACTS: Only a few screening tests involve radiation, eg, mammograms or low-dose CT scans for lung cancer. These tests use minimal radiation, and the risk is very low, especially when weighed against the benefit of detecting cancer early.

Myth #5: "If they find something, it might be worse for me to know."

FACTS: Avoiding cancer screening out of fear can lead to missed opportunities for early treatment. When caught early, many cancers can be treated effectively and even cured. Delayed diagnosis often means more aggressive disease, fewer treatment options, and lower survival rates.

Myth #6: "Colonoscopies are just too invasive; I'm not going through that."

FACTS: Colonoscopy is just 1 screening option for colorectal cancer; there are several noninvasive screening choices. These include fecal immunochemical test, FIT, which detects hidden blood in the stool, and stool DNA tests like Cologuard. These can be done at home and mailed in.

Myth #7: "I've read that cancer screening leads to overdiagnosis and overtreatment."

FACTS: Overdiagnosis is a valid concern, especially in cancers like prostate or thyroid, where some tumors grow slowly. But, screening recommendations are based on large careful studies balancing risks and benefits.

Myth #8: "I'm too young to need cancer screening."

FACTS: The age to begin screening for some cancers is younger than many people realize. Guidelines recommend beginning screening for cervical cancer at age 21, colorectal cancer at age 45, and breast cancer screening at age 45 as well. Lung cancer screening may be appropriate starting at age 50.

Myth #9: "Once I've been screened for a type of cancer, I shouldn't need to do it again."

FACTS: Cancer can develop between screening intervals. That’s why repeat testing at recommended intervals is essential. For instance, a negative FIT doesn’t mean you’re protected from colorectal cancer for life, it must be repeated annually. Mammograms and Pap tests are done every 1–3 years.

Myth #1: FACTS American Cancer Society

Myth #2: FACTS National Cancer Institute

Myth #3: FACTS Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Myth #4: FACTS US Preventive Services Task Force

Myth #5: FACTS American Society of Clinical Oncology

Myth #6: FACTS USPSTF Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommendation

Myth #7: FACTS Journal of the National Cancer Institute

Myth #8: FACTS American Cancer Society

Myth #9: FACTS National Comprehensive Cancer Network