Our skilled providers offer the full range of cancer screening services to give you peace of mind. We discuss your screening needs with you so you can make an informed decision. Together, we create a customized cancer prevention plan that meets your needs.
Our cancer screening and prevention options include:
Colonoscopy (colorectal cancer screening)
A colonoscopy is a test to check for colorectal cancer, which is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. During a colonoscopy, your provider examines your colon and rectum using a thin tube and tiny camera. A colonoscopy can detect colorectal cancer in its earliest stages, including precancers that could turn into cancer later.
Most adults should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. However, you may need to begin screening at a younger age if you have a higher risk of colorectal cancer or if you are experiencing severe GI symptoms. Talk with your provider to determine your risk so you can plan your colorectal cancer screening schedule.
Lung cancer screening
A low-radiation-dose computed tomography (CT) scan is a painless test that can find lung cancer in its early stages. This test offers potentially life-saving benefits for some people with a high risk of this cancer.
You may need a lung cancer screening if you:
Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years
- Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
Are between 50 and 80 years old
A pack-year is smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, you have a history of 20 pack-years if you smoked:
- One pack a day for 20 years
- Two packs a day for 10 years
If you meet the screening criteria, talk with your health care provider. Together, you can discuss the benefits and risks of lung cancer screening and decide if it’s right for you. All lung cancer screenings require a referral from your provider.
Mammography (breast cancer screening)
Mammography is the most effective breast cancer prevention tool available. A mammogram is an X-ray that can find breast cancers that are too small to be felt. At BJC, your mammogram is read by experienced, board-certified radiologists.
Types of mammograms we provide include:
- 3D screening mammography: Also known as tomosynthesis, 3D screening mammograms check for cancer when you have no symptoms or problems. Our screening mammograms offer the highest resolution breast scans available. Traditional mammography machines produce one flat picture, but 3D mammography produces layers upon layers of high-resolution images. Our radiologists examine your digital mammogram page by page, layer by layer, to look for suspicious masses. This high level of detail can reveal even the smallest cancers sooner.
- Diagnostic mammograms: This type of mammogram provides more detail about a suspicious area in your breast. Your provider may order a diagnostic mammogram if you have a lump in your breast or if your screening mammogram showed a suspicious area.
Most women should begin regular mammography testing by age 40. However, people with a higher risk of breast cancer may need to begin before age 40. Talk with your provider about when you should begin breast cancer screening.
We make it easy to fit mammograms into your life. BJC provides online mammogram scheduling and same- or next-day appointments at many of our Breast Care Centers across the region.
Pap test (cervical cancer screening)
Before the Pap test, or Pap smear, was developed, cervical cancer used to be one of the top cancer-related deaths for women in the United States. Today, thanks to this screening, rates of cervical cancer are significantly lower. This test can detect cervical cancers in their early stages, when they’re easier to treat.
During a Pap test, your provider uses a cotton swab to collect a few cells from your cervix (bottom of your uterus). They send the sample to a lab to check for cell changes that can become cervical cancer.
Depending on your health needs, your provider may take a second swab to test for human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical cancer and other gynecologic cancers.
Women should begin receiving Pap tests at age 21. Talk with your provider about how often you need a Pap and HPV test. Getting the HPV vaccine is another way to reduce your risk of HPV-related cervical cancer.
Prostate cancer screening
The prostate is a gland below your bladder that makes fluid for semen. Prostate cancer is more likely to affect men over the age of 65. Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, however the prognosis is generally positive.
Not everyone needs to be screened for prostate cancer. However, men at higher risk may benefit from a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. This test measures a protein in your blood that can signal a higher risk of getting prostate cancer.
Ask your provider about your prostate cancer risk and a PSA test if any of the following apply to you:
- Are Black and non-Hispanic
- Are age 40 or older
- Have a father or brother with prostate cancer
- Have certain gene variants, including the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
Skin cancer screening
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. A skin cancer screening is generally performed via visual exam, with a health care provider checking your skin for any indications of skin cancer or precancerous spots. Your provider can identify skin cancers early with regular skin exams.
During a professional skin exam, your doctor or nurse checks your skin for moles, marks, or patches that look like possible cancer. Your provider may want to take a sample (biopsy) or remove any areas that are:
- Changing in size, shape, color, or texture
- Different from other moles on your body
- Itchy or bleeding
- New (recently appeared)
Anyone can get skin cancer, but sun exposure plays a major role. You have a higher risk of skin cancer if you:
- Have had at least one sunburn during your lifetime
- Live in a climate with a high amount of year-round sun
- Spend a lot of time outside during the day without sun protection
- Use tanning beds
Other factors, such as having fairer skin or a family history of skin cancer, may also raise your risk. Talk with your provider about your skin cancer risk and how often you should get a professional skin exam.
