Screening and early detection is crucial

Earlier, more intensive and frequent screening is recommended for people at increased risk of cancer due to a strong family history or an inherited genetic mutation. See the Risk Management Guidelines for guidance as recommendations vary for different hereditary mutations.

Most health plans are required to cover certain cancer screenings at 100%, with no out-of-pocket costs for the patient. These are typically cancer screenings recommended for the general population by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force—such as mammograms and colorectal cancer screening—beginning at a specified age. Screenings at an earlier age or screenings above and beyond those needed by the "average risk" population may not be fully covered; deductibles, coinsurance and copays often apply.