Get Screened for Cancer
Stay up to date on guidelines and when to schedule appointments.
Breast Cancer
Mammograms are the best way to catch breast cancer early — and only take about 15 minutes to complete.
What test is recommended?
A screening mammogram is an X-ray of your breasts. It can detect breast cancer before symptoms appear or you can feel a lump through the skin.
- A 2D mammogram takes pictures of each breast from the side and front to create a two-dimensional image.
- A 3D mammogram (also called digital tomosynthesis) takes multiple pictures of each breast from many angles, which can show each layer of tissue in a three-dimensional picture. Those at high risk for breast cancer may also receive supplemental breast screenings such as MRI and breast ultrasound.
Those at high risk for breast cancer may also receive supplemental breast screening MRI and breast ultrasound.
Who and how often?
Starting at age 40, women should talk to their doctor about when to start screening mammography. Expert recommendations vary on when and how often to get a mammogram.
- The American College of Radiology recommends annual screening mammography for women starting at age 40.
- The American Cancer Society recommends women age 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual mammograms, and women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every two years or can opt to continue yearly screening.
- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women age 50 to 74 years old who are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years.
If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors you may wish to begin screening earlier and may need additional tests. Understand your risks for breast cancer and what you can do to take control.
What can I expect at the screening?
On the day of your mammogram, don’t use deodorant, powder or lotions because they can show up on the images. A technologist will help you gently position your breasts on the equipment to help minimize discomfort. You’ll be asked to hold your breath and stay still for a few seconds while the images are taken. Once the exam starts, the process takes about 15 minutes.
How do I book an appointment?
Sign in to My Health Online or call an imaging location to schedule an appointment. Most mammograms don't require a doctor's order.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is preventable. Spot infection with routine screening starting at age 21.
What test is recommended?
The two tests to screen for cervical cancer are the human papillomavirus (HPV) test and the Pap test. Screening can prevent most cervical cancers by finding HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer, or by detecting abnormal cervical cells before they turn into cancer. These tests are performed on cells collected from the cervix during a pelvic exam.
HPV infection is relatively common. Most infections resolve on their own and don’t cause cancer. But certain types of high-risk HPV infections cause almost all cervical cancers.
Who and how often?
Cervical cancer screening should begin at age 21 with a Pap test every three years. Starting at age 30, other screening options include:
- A primary screening HPV test every five years.
- A Pap test every three years.
- A test that combines an HPV test with a Pap test every five years .
If you have certain risk factors, your care provider may recommend more frequent screening.
After age 65 you may be able to stop screening for cervical cancer although you may still require pelvic exams. Talk to your doctor to make an informed choice.
What can I expect at the screening?
During the exam, a clinician will gently insert a medical device called a speculum inside your vagina. A swab is used to take a sample of cells from your cervix. The sample is then sent to a lab to test for HPV and abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer. The HPV and Pap tests can be run from the same sample. There is currently no blood test to screen for cervical cancer.
To check the health of your internal organs, the clinician will insert one or two gloved fingers into the vagina, while pressing on your abdomen from outside. You may feel mild discomfort or pressure, but the exam shouldn’t be painful.
How do I book an appointment?
Book a visit with your OB/Gyn online or call your doctor’s office to make an appointment.
Colorectal Cancer
A colonoscopy is easier than you might think. Start screening at 45 to catch and remove polyps before they become cancer.
What test is recommended?
Several screening tests can be used to find colon cancer and polyps, which can develop into cancer. Talk to your doctor to find out which test is right for you.
Colonoscopy: During this test, a long, flexible tube with a lighted camera is inserted into the rectum to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon. During the exam, the doctor often can remove most polyps and some cancers.
Computed tomography (CT) colonography: Also called a virtual colonoscopy, this is a CT scan of the colon and rectum that can find polyps or cancer. If polyps or other suspicious areas are found, a colonoscopy will be needed to remove them.
Sigmoidoscopy: Similar to a colonoscopy, this procedure uses a shorter flexible tube to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and lower third of the colon.
Stool tests: These tests use different methods to check your stool for signs of cancer:
- Highly sensitive fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
- Highly sensitive guaiac-based fecal occult blood test.
- FIT DNA test.
Who and how often?
Based on data showing an increase in colorectal cancer in people under 50, screening for those at average risk is now recommended to start at age 45.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should get:
- A colonoscopy every 10 years.
- A FIT every year.
- A sigmoidoscopy every five years (or every 10 years with annual FIT testing) or a CT colonography every five years.
- Ask your doctor about starting screening before age 45 if you have any high risk factors, including a family or personal history of colorectal cancer, previously diagnosed polyps, inflammatory bowel disease or genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome.
What can I expect at the screening?
During a colonoscopy, you’ll be given medication to make you sleepy and comfortable. You may feel some pressure and cramping during the exam, but many people don’t feel any sensation at all.
It’s important to follow the preparation instructions from your care team to empty the colon and rectum before the exam. Inadequate preparation can result in cancellation of your procedure or inaccurate results.
How do I book an appointment?
You need a referral from your doctor for a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Sign in to My Health Online or call to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Lung Cancer
If you have a history of daily smoking, this painless, quick screening can help keep you safe.
What test is recommended?
The screening test for lung cancer is a low-dose CT scan.
Who and how often?
Screening for lung cancer is recommended only for people at high risk. Adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit in the last 15 years should be screened annually for lung cancer. A 20 pack-year smoking history means someone who smoked one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
What can I expect at the screening?
During a low-dose CT scan, you lie on a table which slides into a circular scanner. You may be asked to stay still and hold your breath for a few moments. A specialized X-ray uses a low amount of radiation to make detailed images of your lungs. The scan is painless and takes only a few minutes.
How do I book an appointment?
You need a referral from your doctor for this exam. Talk to your doctor to find out if you’re at high risk and eligible for lung cancer screening.
Sign in to My Health Online or call to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Prostate Cancer
The second most common cancer in men is treatable when caught early. Schedule your screening today.
What test is recommended?
- PSA: The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is how your doctor checks for prostate cancer. This blood test can detect high PSA levels, which can be a sign of prostate cancer.
- DRE: Another test called a digital rectal exam (DRE) may be included as part of prostate cancer screening. It doesn’t work as well as the PSA test but may find prostate cancer in men with normal PSA levels.
Who and how often?
Men age 50 to 69 should talk to their doctor about when to start screening.
Black men and men with other high-risk factors, including having a father or brother with prostate cancer at an early age may need to start screening before age 50. Talk with your doctor to make an informed decision about prostate cancer screening.
Find out more about prostate cancer risks, screenings and treatment.
What can I expect at the screening?
The PSA test is a simple blood test. During a DRE, your doctor inserts a gloved finger in your rectum and feels for hard areas or lumps that may indicate cancer.
How do I book an appointment?
Schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about screening options:
Skin Cancer
Doing a skin self-check once a month can protect you from the most common type of cancer.
What test is Recommended?
One of the most effective ways to find skin cancer early is to do regular skin self-exams. Getting familiar with moles, freckles and other spots on your skin will help you notice changes in existing moles or suspicious new growths that you can point out to your doctor.
If you are at high risk for skin cancer, your doctor may perform a full body skin cancer check as part of your routine checkup.
Cancer Care at Sutter
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