Advanced Cancer Care Close to Home

Annual Physical Exams

An annual exam with your primary care provider is an important prevention strategy. You and your doctor can discuss any changes or health concerns and devise a plan for appropriate screenings. It also allows your provider to check your vital signs, like blood pressure and heart rate, and your general appearance and perform other routine tests to detect issues that may not be causing noticeable symptoms.

Mammography

The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 45 to 54 get a mammogram every year. Women may begin yearly mammograms at age 40 if they choose. Women 55 or older may continue annual mammograms or switch to every two years. You and your doctor can discuss the schedule that’s right for you. Some women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may benefit from additional screening. All women should become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel so they can promptly report any changes to their doctor. Schedule your annual mammogram online.

Lung Screenings

We’re committed to keeping lungs healthy. We offer a lung screening program to individuals at high risk for developing lung cancer, like people with a history of smoking or current smokers. Our goal is to screen as many high-risk individuals as possible.

Cervical Cancer Screenings

Women should begin undergoing cervical cancer screenings by 21 years old. Women 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every three years. Women 30 to 65 should have a Pap test plus a human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years. Women over 65 who have had regular cervical cancer testing with normal results no longer need to be tested.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy can detect colon polyps and other early signs of colorectal cancers. Individuals 45 and older should have a colonoscopy every 10 years.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than half of all cancer diagnoses and deaths could be prevented through proper cancer prevention measures.

Among the most important cancer prevention measures you can take are:

• Regular well visits with a primary care provider
• Maintain healthy lifestyle habits
• Stay vigilant about early signs of cancer

Talk With Your Primary Care Provider

Some risk factors you can’t avoid, such as your age and family history. But even for factors you can’t change, there are still things you can do. When it comes to cancer, early detection dramatically increases the options and effectiveness of treatment. Talk with your doctor to develop a plan for screenings and lifestyle changes and stay on top of any warning signs that might occur.

If you have a family history of cancer, your doctor may recommend a genetic risk assessment. We offer genetic counseling to individuals shown to be at higher risk for certain cancers, including breast cancer. Genetic counselors can create an individualized plan to help you manage your risks, know what signs to look for and create a schedule for regular screenings.

Healthy Choices Make a Difference

Among some of the greatest risk factors for cancer are lifestyle choices. The World Cancer Research Fund estimates nearly 20% percent of all cancers in the U.S. are caused by a combination of excess weight, poor nutrition, excess alcohol use and a sedentary lifestyle.

Some of the biggest changes you can make in your life are to:

• Quit smoking: Tobacco use accounts for nearly 30% of all cancer deaths in the U.S.
• If you drink, drink in moderation: Alcohol abuse raises the risk of many cancers, including mouth, throat, esophageal, liver, breast and colorectal cancers
• Exercise and maintain a healthy weight: Excess body weight and lack of physical activity are key factors in the risk of many cancers and other chronic health conditions
• Avoid excessive sun exposure: Skin cancer, the most common form of cancer, is largely caused by unprotected exposure to the sun and harmful UV rays