Cancer screenings
Cancer screenings
Cancer screenings are a proactive step you can take to reduce the chance of cancer-related deaths. Early detection of cancers can mean less treatment is necessary for a better outcome. At Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HealthONE, we want you to know about these important cancer screenings.
Breast cancer
Age 20+ — Monthly — Women should be familiar with their breasts and promptly report any changes to a healthcare provider.
Age 25+ — Women should talk to their physician to understand their individualized risk for breast cancer.
Age 40+ — Annually — Consult your physician and mammogram.
Women should talk to their physician to understand their individualized risk for breast cancer.Calculate your breast cancer risk by visiting Cancer.gov.
Women should talk with their physicians regularly starting as early as age 25 about their individualized risk for breast cancer, as higher risk women may benefit from genetic counseling or early screening.
Find a Doctor
Schedule Your Mammogram and Learn More About Breast Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer
Today, cervical cancer is the only gynecologic cancer for which there is a screening exam (HPV testing and Pap testing, also called a Pap smear). At Sarah Cannon, we recommend the following guidelines:
Age 21 - 29 — Every 3 years — Pap test.
Age 30 - 65 — Every 5 years — Pap test and HPV test.
Age 65+ — Stop testing — Women with normal history should discuss discontinuation of screening with their physician.
Women with an abnormal diagnosis should be tested for 20 years following the result, even if testing continues past age 65. A woman whose uterus and cervix have been removed for non-cervical cancer reasons, and who has no history of cervical or precervical cancer, should not be tested.
Colorectal cancer
Age 45+ — Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years or a colonoscopy every 10 years.
Depending on one’s risk, there are alternative tests. Individuals should consult with their physician for more information.
Lung cancer
Sarah Cannon recommends Low-Dose CT Scan every year for people who meet the following criteria:
Age 50 - 80* — Those who have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history and are current smokers or have quit within the past 15 years.
*Must be 50-77 for Medicare
20 Pack-Year Equivalent
- 1 pack a day for 20 years
- 2 packs a day for 10 years
Skin cancer
Age 20+ — Regular full body skin self-exams and skin exams by your doctor
Individuals should regularly discuss risk factors with their physician and discuss a personalized surveillance strategy. Those at high risk for skin cancer include those with reduced immunity, personal history of skin cancer, and a strong family history of skin cancer.