Cancer screening and testing is a potentially life-saving process that can alert doctors to abnormal cells in the body. More advanced testing has led to earlier diagnosis of cancers and, thus, higher survival rates in the last several years. So being aware of various screenings and taking advantage of them are the keys to taking control of your health.

According to the American Cancer Society, people over the age of 20 should make sure that their regular check-ups include general screening for cancers such as thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes and testes or ovaries. Tests for specific cancers should also be performed at certain times of a person’s life.