Understanding your oncology 
care options

By Ziad Fawaz, MD MS

Cancer screening can save lives, but many people are unsure which tests they actually need, when to start, or whether they are doing too much, too little, or the wrong screening altogether.

The reality is that cancer screening is not one-size-fits-all. Your age, family history, genetics, smoking history, and other risk factors all matter.

Here are some of the most important cancer screenings adults should know about.

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Breast Cancer Screening

For many women at average risk, mammograms are recommended beginning around age 40. Some individuals may benefit from earlier screening, additional imaging like MRI, or genetic testing depending on family history and risk factors.

If you have multiple relatives with breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer, it may be worth discussing hereditary cancer testing.

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Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults. Most guidelines now recommend beginning screening at age 45 for average-risk individuals.

Screening options may include:

• Colonoscopy
• Stool DNA testing
• FIT testing

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A colonoscopy remains one of the most effective tools because it can identify and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancer.

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Lung Cancer Screening

Many former or current smokers may qualify for annual low-dose CT screening for lung cancer.

This is one of the few cancer screenings shown to reduce mortality in high-risk populations, yet many eligible patients never receive it.

If you have a significant smoking history, it is worth reviewing whether you qualify.

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Cervical Cancer Screening

Pap smears and HPV testing remain important tools for preventing cervical cancer.

Depending on age and prior results, screening intervals vary. Many women do not realize they may still need screening even after years of normal results.

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Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer screening should involve individualized discussion rather than automatic testing for everyone.

For some men, PSA screening can help identify aggressive disease early. For others, it may lead to unnecessary testing or treatment.

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Risk factors such as age, family history, and ancestry all play a role in determining whether screening makes sense.

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Screening Is More Than Checking Boxes

One of the biggest misconceptions about cancer screening is that simply ordering tests equals good preventive care.

The more important question is: Are the right screenings being done for the right person at the right time?

That often requires looking at the full picture:

• Family history
• Genetics
• Prior imaging
• Lifestyle factors
• Environmental exposures
• Personal concerns and symptoms

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A personalized approach can sometimes identify risks that standard screening checklists miss.

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When to Consider a More Personalized Screening Review

You may benefit from a deeper cancer risk and screening evaluation if you:

• Have a strong family history of cancer
• Are unsure which screenings you need
• Have had abnormal imaging or biopsy results
• Want a second opinion about screening recommendations
• Feel your concerns have been dismissed or oversimplified
• Want a more proactive approach to early detection

At Avela Oncology Advisors, we focus on personalized oncology guidance, early detection strategy, and comprehensive cancer second opinions through a physician-led telehealth model.

Early detection is not about fear. It is about clarity, risk assessment, and making informed decisions before problems become more advanced.