Different screening tests are available that can look for abnormalities that could indicate signs of cancer, including:

• Physical exams: that check for signs of disease, like lumps or anything out of the ordinary⁵
• Lab tests: such as blood, tissue and urine samples¹
• Imaging procedures: such as a CT scan, MRI or ultrasound, which take pictures of the inside of your body⁵

Some common screenings include:¹

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test for cervical cancer
• Bowel screening kit for bowel cancer⁶
• Low-dose Computed Tomography (CT) scans for lung cancer
• Mammograms for breast cancer

Your healthcare professional may suggest other tests, such as genetic tests, to check for gene changes linked to certain cancers, especially if you have a high risk.⁷ It’s important to talk with your healthcare professional to decide what additional tests are recommended for you.

Although cancer screenings have many benefits, it’s important to be aware of their potential risks:

• Some screenings may cause potential problems: Screenings for colon cancer, for example, can cause tears in the lining of the colon⁸
• False-positive test results are possible: Test results can sometimes indicate that something’s wrong, even if your body is cancer-free. A false positive can lead to more tests, with potential risks and needless anxiety⁹  
• False-negative test results can also happen: Test results can sometimes be falsely normal, even if you have cancer. This may mean you don’t talk to your healthcare professional because you think everything is fine⁹

It’s important to understand the potential risks of any screening test that you’re considering. Ask your healthcare professional to help you weigh those risks against the benefits.

Which screenings should you consider? That depends on several factors, such as your age, gender, and risk factors for certain cancers.¹⁰

In Australia, there are 4 population-based cancer screening programs:

• BreastScreen Australia Program
• National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
• National Cervical Screening Program
• National Lung Cancer Screening Program

To learn which screenings may be appropriate for you, please visit screening for cancer and speak with your healthcare professional about National Screening Programs that are available.

If you are concerned about possible symptoms, see your doctor, even if you have recently had a screening test.

If you know you are at higher risk of developing a disease, see your doctor rather than waiting until you are eligible for a population‑based screening program.⁴

1. Screening, tests and scans. Services Australia. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/screening-tests-and-scans-covered-medicare?context=60092 Accessed Apr 2026.
2. Cancer screening. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/cancer-screening-and-treatment Accessed Apr 2026.
3. Mammogram. Cancer Council. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/screening-tests-and-treatments/tests-and-scans/mammogram Accessed Apr 2026.
4. Screening for cancer. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing National Office. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/cancer/screening-for-cancer Accessed Apr 2026.
5. Tests and scans. Cancer Council. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/screening-tests-and-treatments/tests-and-scans Accessed Apr 2026.
6. National Bowel Cancer Screening Program – Colonoscopy brochure. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing National Office. https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program-colonoscopy-brochure?language=en Accessed Apr 2026.  
7. Genetic testing. Cancer Council. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/family-history-and-cancer/genetic-testing Accessed Apr 2026.  
8. Colonoscopy. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/colonoscopy/about/pac-20393569 Accessed Apr 2026. 
9. Principles of screening. Cancer Council. https://www.cancer.org.au/about-us/policy-and-advocacy/early-detection/principles-of-screening Accessed Apr 2026.  
10. Cancer screening. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cancer-screening Accessed Apr 2026.