As we age, maintaining our health becomes a primary focus, especially as the body begins to break down and we become more at risk for diseases. This is why preventive measures, such as cancer screenings, are important for those 65 and older.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among older adults and early detection through appropriate screenings can significantly improve outcomes. But it is crucial to recognize that cancer screening is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s important for seniors to know all that is available to them.

Medicare covers several cancer screenings that are recommended for individuals ages 65 and older. These include screenings for colon, lung, breast, cervical and prostate cancers. Medicare recommends annual mammograms for women ages 65 to 74, while colorectal cancer screenings, such as colonoscopies, are typically advised every 10 years for eligible seniors. Cervical cancer screenings, like Pap smears, are generally recommended until age 65 unless otherwise directed by a health care provider. Each of these screenings should be tailored to an individual’s status and discussed with their care team.

Despite these guidelines, the choice to undergo screenings should be made collaboratively between you and your doctors. The decision should consider a variety of factors that are unique to you, beginning with an assessment of your overall health.

For seniors in good health, the benefits of screening may outweigh potential risks, leading to earlier detection and treatment. But those with significant comorbidities, like diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, may have more relevant concerns about how screening could impact your quality of life or lead to unnecessary stress and/or treatment risk or complications.

A person’s health situation can dramatically affect the potential benefits and harms associated with cancer screening tests. For instance, an 80-year-old in excellent health might be more inclined to undergo screenings, whereas a 60-year-old with significant health challenges may prioritize other medical needs. These scenarios show the various health levels among seniors, which complicates the determination of standard age cut-offs for screenings.

When working with my older patients, it is critical to create an individualized approach. I focus on discussing their personal preferences and values. Some seniors may prioritize a higher level of involvement in decision-making, while others may feel at ease when I guide the process. Open communication about preferences can help tailor screening approaches that align with what seniors consider essential in their lives, ensuring that the decisions feel right for them.

Continued conversations with your doctor throughout the year are vital. Regular check-ups provide opportunities to reassess the risks and benefits of ongoing cancer screenings as you age or as your health changes. Discussing any new health concerns, symptoms, or changes in overall well-being with your doctor ensures that decisions about screening are updated and appropriate based on your current health.

Additionally, under the Affordable Care Act, a wide array of private insurers, along with Medicaid and Medicare, are required to cover cancer screenings. This mandate allows for access to early detection services at little to no out-of-pocket cost for patients, including screenings for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers.

For lung cancer, screening also is covered, but typically only for high-risk individuals.

For those who are uninsured or underinsured, initiatives like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program exist to provide free or low-cost screenings. It’s through programs like these that many people, regardless of their insurance status, can access critical cancer screening services, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

As awareness around the importance of cancer screenings grows, there are more resources available to help seniors make informed choices. It is paramount that health care providers are equipped to facilitate these conversations, as they bridge the gap between standardized guidelines and personalized care.

Many seniors tell me, “I still need to do that at my age?” as if aging gets you off the hook for screening. But rather, it’s the opposite. Aging should actually increase your reason to get screened, especially in those who want to live long, healthy lives. Seniors should feel empowered to embrace preventative medicine and work with their physician to determine the best pathway for them.

By fostering ongoing conversations about health status and screening strategies, seniors can navigate these decisions more effectively, ensuring that they receive care that is beneficial and aligned with their life goals and health trajectories.

Dr. Nilesh Vora is the medical director of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center. Vora is a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist, who also serves as chair of hematology and medical oncology for the MemorialCare Medical Foundation.