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How Much Does a Cancer Screening Cost?

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How Much Does a Cancer Screening Cost?

Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage

Cancer screenings save lives — but let’s not pretend they’re always accessible or affordable. Whether you’re uninsured, underinsured, or just trying to budget for preventive care, the costs vary wildly depending on the test, your risk factors, and your insurance situation.

Here’s what you can expect to pay — and when you might not have to pay at all.


💡 Quick Answer:

Cancer Screening
With Insurance
Without Insurance
Mammogram (Breast Cancer)
$0 (preventive)
$150 – $350
Colonoscopy (Colon Cancer)
$0 (preventive)
$1,000 – $3,000
Pap Smear (Cervical Cancer)
$0 (preventive)
$100 – $250
HPV Test
$0 – $40 copay
$80 – $150
PSA Test (Prostate Cancer)
Often $0
$50 – $150
Low-Dose CT Scan (Lung Cancer)
$0 (if high-risk)
$250 – $600
Skin Cancer Screening
Not always covered
$150 – $300
Genetic Testing (BRCA, etc.)
Sometimes covered
$300 – $5,000+

🧾 With insurance: Many tests = free under the ACA
❗ Without insurance: Expect to pay hundreds to thousands depending on test type


🔍 Cancer Screenings by Type (and What They Cost)

🩺 Breast Cancer (Mammogram)

  • Recommended Age: 40+ (earlier if high risk)
  • Cost (No Insurance): $150 – $350
  • Free Option? Yes — ACA requires coverage for women 40–74 every 1–2 years

💩 Colon Cancer (Colonoscopy / Cologuard)

  • Recommended Age: 45+
  • Colonoscopy Cost (No Insurance): $1,000 – $3,000
  • Cologuard (At-home test): ~$600 (may be covered)
  • Free Option? Yes — preventive colonoscopies are covered at age 45+

👩‍⚕️ Cervical Cancer (Pap Smear / HPV)

  • Recommended Age: 21+ (every 3–5 years)
  • Cost (No Insurance): Pap Smear: $100–$250, HPV Test: $80–$150
  • Free Option? Yes — covered for all women 21–65 with most insurance

👨 Prostate Cancer (PSA Test)

  • Recommended Age: 50+ (or earlier with risk)
  • Cost (No Insurance): $50 – $150
  • Free Option? Sometimes — coverage varies by state and plan

🫁 Lung Cancer (Low-Dose CT)

  • Recommended Age: 50–80 if smoker/heavy former smoker
  • Cost (No Insurance): $250 – $600
  • Free Option? Yes, for high-risk patients under ACA

🧬 Genetic Testing (BRCA, Lynch Syndrome)

  • Cost (No Insurance): $300 – $5,000+ depending on panel
  • Covered? Only if you meet high-risk criteria and have physician approval

💳 Can You Get Screenings Without Insurance?

Yes — but you’ll need to be smart about it.

Where to Look
Services Offered
Cost
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Mammograms, Pap, Colon Screening
Low or sliding scale
Planned Parenthood
Pap, HPV, Breast exams
Sliding scale
State Health Departments
Varies by state
Often free or low-cost
National Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (NBCCEDP)
Pap, Mammograms
Free for eligible women
Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP)
Colonoscopies
Free for eligible adults

💡 Don’t wait because of cost. There are programs out there.


🧠 Pro Tips to Save Money

  • ✅ Ask if the test is considered “preventive” — that can mean $0 with insurance
  • ✅ Negotiate cash pricing if uninsured — some clinics offer huge discounts
  • ✅ Check nonprofit clinics or mobile screening vans in your area
  • ✅ Ask your doc about at-home test options for colon, cervical, and genetic screening

💭 Final Thoughts: Can You Afford NOT to Get Screened?

Let’s be blunt: cancer doesn’t care if you’re broke. Skipping a $200 test today could mean a $200,000 diagnosis later. Screenings aren’t just about prevention — they’re about buying time, options, and a hell of a better prognosis.


🔚 Bottom Line

  • With insurance? Most cancer screenings = $0
  • Without insurance? You’re looking at $100 – $3,000+ depending on the test
  • Don’t pay full price blindly — use public programs, at-home kits, and sliding-scale clinics
  • Early detection = longer life, lower costs, and more options
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Comments 2

  1. Danny Soles says:
    1 week ago

    🧾 User-Reported Cost: It’s so frustrating navigating screening costs. even with insurance, unexpected bills can hit hard!

    Reply
  2. Brandon McNeil says:
    1 week ago

    🧾 User-Reported Cost: Isn’t it wild how, even with all the focus on preventive healthcare, insurance plans often leave us hanging when it comes to cancer screenings? It’s frustrating having to deal with hidden costs and confusing coverage. We should be able to prioritize our health without the fear of hefty bills!

    Reply

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  • Free Tools ❤️
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    • FSA/HSA Eligibility Check ✔️
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    • Walgreens vs CVS Clinic Cost ⚔️
    • Health Insurance Explainer ☂️
    • In-Store Clinic vs. Telehealth Cost 🖥️
    • Braces Calculator 🦷
    • Non-Profit Hospital Help ℹ️
    • 1955 ↔️ 2025 (Cost Comparison)
    • Who Gets the Money? (PDF)📄
  • Medical Costs ⚕️
    • Doctor Visits
    • Dental
    • Hospital Stay
    • Surgery
    • Imaging and Testing
    • Cosmetic
    • Equipment
    • Mental Health
    • Preventative
    • Prescription & Medication
    • Reproductive Health
    • Pediatrics
    • Insurance
  • Reviews 🆕
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