Early Cancer Detection Science

We are the cancer screening guideline development arm for the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Our cancer screening guidelines are based on scientific evidence and meet high international standards of quality, with the potential to significantly reduce the burden of cancer.

We are active in research on the effectiveness of cancer screening, utilization of cancer screening, quality improvement of cancer screening, and new cancer screening technology.  

ACS Current Cancer Screening Guidelines 

Screening can save lives by finding cancer early when it is typically easier to treat. In some cases, as with cervical cancer screening and colorectal cancer screening, cancer can be prevented by removing suspicious-looking areas during or after the screening process.
 
These screening guidelines for adults with an average risk of developing cancer includes information to meet the needs of clinicians, the general public, and policy makers. 
Breast Cancer Screening Guideline

The ACS recommends that women receive a regular screening mammography for the early detection of breast cancer.
Cervical Cancer Screening Guideline

Updated by the ACS in 2025. Learn about the current ACS screening recommendations (and rationale) for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Guideline

The ACS recommends that adults at average risk for colorectal cancer undergo regular screening starting at age 45 with either a high-sensitivity stool-based test or a structural (visual) examination with a colonoscopy. 
Endometrial Cancer Screening Guideline

There is no evidence to support screening for endometrial cancer for women who don't have any symptoms. Still, all women should learn the risks and symptoms for this female cancer.
Lung Cancer Screening Guideline

If you smoke cigarettes—or ever smoked cigarettes—you have a higher risk for lung cancer. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of getting a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) to detect cancer early.
Prostate Cancer Screening Guideline

The ACS recommends that men who don't have any symptoms have an opportunity to make an informed decision with their health care provider about the benefits and risks of screening for prostate cancer. 

ACS Guidelines for Risk Reduction and Prevention of Cancer

Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines for Cancer Prevention

Recommendations for adults with an average risk of cancer based on the current scientific evidence about weight control, physical activity, and nutrition related to cancer prevention. 
For Cancer Survivors: ACS Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines

See the research in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Guidelines

The ACS recommends HPV vaccination for boys and girls between 9 and 12. 
Get Screened!

Learn the questions to ask about cancer screening, so you’re prepared to make an informed decision about the cancer screening schedule that best matches your risks.

black young woman hugging a black man facing her

How the Guidelines Are Developed

We appoint a Cancer Screening Guideline Development Group (GDG) who uses a formal, scientific protocol to review cancer-screening evidence and transform it to create and revise ACS cancer screening guidelines. 

A Blend of the history article and overview article. 

ACS Cancer Screening Guideline Development (GDG) Group

This group consists of 10 clinicians and population health care professionals plus 1 patient advocate. 
History of Cancer-specific Screening Guidelines

See how the ACS screening  guicelines have been adapted over the years.
How We Develop Guidelines

The American Cancer Society adheres to strict protocol to develop and revise our guidelines.