Cancer Screening

Screening means checking your body for cancer before signs or symptoms appear. Getting screening tests regularly may find cancers early when treatment is likely to work best. BCH offers many types of cancer screening, including:

Breast cancer screening

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the U.S. and can affect both women and men. An annual breast cancer screening, or mammogram, is appropriate for women with breast tissue beginning at age 40, and sometimes earlier for patients with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Tap the button below to learn more about the latest mammogram technology, risk factors and what to expect.

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Cervical cancer screening

Screening for cervical cancer includes the human papillomavirus (HPV) test and Pap test (or Pap smear). It is recommended for anyone with a cervix starting at age 21. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with sexually transmitted HPV which can cause cell changes and turn into cancer. The Pap test examines the cervix for abnormalities and pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions. Tap the button below to learn more about who should get a Pap test and when.

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Colorectal (colon) cancer screening

Colorectal (colon) cancer screenings are appropriate for those aged 45 and above, or earlier if a higher risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) is determined by a physician. Screening for colorectal cancer involves a colonoscopy—a 30-minite procedure using a high definition (HD) colonoscope, inserted into the colon to identify abnormalities, and detect cancerous and precancerous lesions, or polyps. If the result is negative, you typically do not need another screening for 10 years. Tap the button below to read more about other options and what to expect.

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Lung cancer screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., but not everyone needs to undergo screening. Annual screening for lung cancer requires three qualifications—those who have a 20 pack-year or more history of smoking, currently smoke or quit within 15 years, and are between ages 50 and 80. Tap the button below to learn more about risk factors and how to get screened.

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Pancreatic cancer screening

Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect until later stages. Annual screening involves imaging such as an MRI or ultrasound and is recommended for those at high risk for pancreatic cancer starting at age 50, or 10 years before the earliest known family diagnosis, whichever comes first. Tap the button below to learn more about risk factors and what to expect.

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Prostate cancer screening

Prostate cancer screenings are most important for anyone with a prostate gland aged 55 to 69 years and may be appropriate earlier for those with higher risk factors. There are two types of prostate cancer screening—digital rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen test. Once you are eligible, talk to your provider about how often prostate cancer screening may be appropriate for you. Tap the button below to learn more about who's at risk and when to get screened.

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