The American Cancer Society estimated that roughly two million Americans were diagnosed with cancer last year.And, in that time, more than 609,000 people died of the disease.But early detection can save lives.Screenings are powerful weapons against a potentially life-threatening disease."Many cancers found with screening techniques are actually quite curable,” said Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society.Here are the top five cancer screenings that the American Cancer Society recommends in 2024.Start with a mammogram.The organization recommends women at age 40 start talking to their doctor about scheduling one.By age 45, every woman should have an annual mammogram.Women with a higher risk of breast cancer may need screening earlier.“Women that are younger, often with dense breasts may need additional testing even beyond a mammogram,” Dr. Dahut said.Next, set up a colorectal cancer screening.For people who aren't at high risk, based on factors like family history or a previous polyp, there's a home test.Those at average risk or higher should get a colonoscopy starting at age 45.Your results will dictate how often this screening is needed.Third, prostate cancer screening.That's recommended for men starting between ages 45 and 50, and by age 50 it should be an annual discussion with their doctor.African-Americans, and others at higher risk for this disease, may need screening as early as age 40.Fourth, screening for cervical cancer, which is most often caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV."Women should start by the age of 25 to have an HPV test,” Dr. Dahut said.That test can be done at the same time as a patient's pap smear.Finally, set up a lung cancer screening.Starting at age 50 for smokers or former smokers with a 20-pack-year history.To determine a smoker's pack history, multiply the number of years you smoked by the number of packs smoked per day.So, if you have smoked a pack a day for the last 20 years, or two packs a day for the last 10 years, you have 20 pack years.