Cancer Screening
Act now to prevent cancer
The time to screen for cancer is before you become sick. If you wait until cancer symptoms appear, it may grow and spread, making it harder to treat. That’s why your doctor recommends screenings even if you feel fine or have no risk factors. The earlier cancer can be detected, the easier it is to treat and manage.
Prisma Health offers screenings for breast, cervical, lung and colon cancer, such as physical exams, laboratory tests (including genetics) colonoscopy and mammograms. Protect your health — and maybe even save your life — with a fast, accurate screening.
Cancer screenings we offer
Who should be screened for cancer, and how often, depends on age, health history, previous diagnosis and test results. Below are general guidelines. Talk to your Prisma Health doctor about what’s best for you.
Breast cancer
Women between the ages of 45–54, even with no family history, should have a screening mammogram every year. Women younger than 45 should consider screening earlier, depending on health and family history. Women older than 54 can screen every two years. No doctor referral is needed.
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Cervical cancer
Women should begin cervical screening (known as a Pap test) starting at age 21 and then continue every three years. The Pap test may be combined with a human papillomavirus (HPV) test. A Prisma Health OB/GYN can perform these tests as part of your annual exam.
Colon cancer
Starting at age 45, men and women should be screened for colon cancer with either a blood test, stool DNA test, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Your Prisma Health doctor can help you decide which test is best for you and give you a referral.
Lung cancer
Men and women between 55 and 77 years old with 30 pack years of smoking (one pack-year = smoking one pack per day for one year; 1 pack = 20 cigarettes) should have a lung screening. Any current smoker or person who has quit within the last 15 years should also be screened. Ask your Prisma Health primary care doctor for a referral.