Urgent care vs. the ER: How to know where to go
June 11, 2026
Visit the ER for serious illness or injuries when you need emergency care. Visit urgent care for minor injuries or illnesses that need same-day care.
Health Screenings
At Ascension Illinois, you can schedule preventive care and screenings that are right for you based on your age, family history and risk factors.
Health screenings in Illinois
At Ascension Illinois, you can schedule preventive care and screenings that are right for you based on your age, family history and risk factors.
About cancer screenings at Ascension Illinois
Regular preventive health care and screenings may help find cancer and other health concerns early, when they are most treatable and when more treatment options are available. At Ascension Illinois, we provide convenient diagnostic imaging tests, including walk-in mammograms, colonoscopies, low-dose CT lung scans and many other health screenings.
Health screenings for early cancer detection
Even if you don’t have a family history of cancer or are not having symptoms, start a conversation with a doctor about your risk factors for cancer and other health concerns. Our doctors provide tests and exams that screen for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, throat cancer and more.
- In your 20s: Women should begin getting regular Pap tests and clinical breast exams. Men should be getting annual health screenings.
- In your 30s: Women should continue getting regular clinical breast exams. They should begin getting HPV tests in addition to Pap tests. Men should continue with annual health screenings.
- In your 40s: Women should begin getting regular mammograms, colonoscopies, HPV tests and Pap tests. Men should begin getting colonoscopies. Men at increased risk for prostate cancer should also begin speaking to their doctor about PSA-based prostate cancer screening.
- 50 and older: Women should continue getting regular mammograms, colonoscopies, HPV tests and Pap tests or as recommended by their doctor. Men should continue getting regular colonoscopies and start or continue prostate cancer screenings. Older individuals should talk with their doctor about other screening tests that are right for them.
Be sure to check with your insurance provider about your coverage for screenings and preventive care. Many of our doctors offer convenient online scheduling so you can select a day and time that’s right for you.
Genetic testing and counseling
Genetic counselors at Ascension Illinois also provide genetic testing and counseling. If you are at high risk or have a family history of cancer, genetic testing and counseling can help you and your doctor better understand your risk for certain cancers. By working with you, our care team creates a personalized care plan that’s right for you.
Stay connected to advanced care at Ascension Illinois
If you need more care, including more advanced treatment options, you are connected to compassionate care teams and specialists. They may include radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, and physical therapists. Your care team will take the time to answer your questions and to explain your results, follow-up care, and procedures. We’ll listen to your concerns and work with you to determine the right care plan personalized for you.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT ALEXIAN BROTHER AND SAINT ALEXIUS: 844-952-HOPE (4673)
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT SAINT JOSEPH-CHICAGO: 773- 665-9920
Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage before scheduling. Low-dose CT screening may be covered by various insurance plans as well as Medicare for those who meet certain high-risk criteria. If you have Medicare Part B and meet certain qualifications, your screening may be covered. But you will need a referral from your doctor.
Preventive care and health screenings
Start a conversation with a doctor at Ascension Illinois about the screenings that are right for you, based on your age and family history:
Regular colon screening may help find polyps and cancer early. Doctors at Ascension Illinois recommend men and women get their first colonoscopy at age 45. You may need to get a colonoscopy earlier if you have a personal or family history of polyps or colon cancer, or if you have symptoms.
A lung screening helps you and your doctor better understand your lung health. A low-dose CT lung scan may help find lung nodules and cancer, and it may help diagnose lung fibrosis, COPD and other breathing disorders. Talk with a doctor at Ascension Illinois about whether a low-dose CT screening is right for you.
Call to schedule a lung cancer screening:
Care teams at Ascension Illinois recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, ask your doctor if you should have a breast screening test before you turn 40. We offer 3D mammography in 3 convenient locations. Walk in appointments are available at all of our imaging sites of care.
Get a second opinion on your cancer diagnosis or care plan
When you are facing a new cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Call to schedule a mammogram
This service requires a referral
To learn how to get a referral, call:
- Ascension Saint Joseph Chicago — UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center: 773-665-9920
- Ascension Alexian Brothers and Ascension Saint Alexius — Cancer Center: 844-952-HOPE (4673)
If your doctor is referring you, they can use these same phone numbers to get everything set up.
Ascension Saint Alexius Cancer Care - Hoffman Estates
1555 North Barrington Rd Building 3, Ste. 1400
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Ascension Alexian Brothers - Cancer Care Elk Grove
800 Biesterfield Road Bldg 5, #120
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
800 Biesterfield Road Bldg 5, #120
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Ascension Saint Joseph Chicago - UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
2845 North Sheridan Rd #1300
Chicago, IL 60657
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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