Some cancers can be detected before symptoms occur. Screening for cancer is done to help detect cancer early. For many cancers, treatment is most successful if caught in the early stages. Our providers are pro-active in their approach to cancer screening and are available to discuss whether cancer screening should be recommended for you.
Breast Cancer:
We recommend women perform regular self- breast exams and notify us of any breast concerns or changes. At age 40 we recommend beginning yearly mammograms and whole breast ultrasounds if breast tissue is dense. If breast cancer has occurred in family at an early age, breast imaging may be recommended begin before age 40.
Cervical Cancer:
As a routine, pap smears done for cervical cancer screening are not recommended as annual tests, but the frequency of screening depends on your age, risk factors, and history of pap smears. This can be performed at intervals of every 3-5 years. Your provider will discuss the recommended screening frequency with you.
Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer:
We educate women after menopause to report vaginal bleeding. Vaginal bleeding after menopause should be evaluated to ensure uterine lining is not abnormally thickened and that there are no abnormal cells in the uterine lining. An endometrial biopsy, a biopsy of the lining of the uterus, may be recommended to help screen for endometrial cancer.
Colon Cancer:
At age 50 we recommend colonoscopy screening and if normal, one every 10 years. If there is a family history of colon cancer at an early age, a colonoscopy may be recommended sooner.