How bariatric surgery restored a Rutherford mom's life
August 5, 2026
After years of struggling, Rutherford resident Larina lost over 200 pounds following bariatric surgery with Dr. Stephen Rich at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford.
Health screenings
At Ascension Saint Thomas, you can schedule preventive care and screenings based on your age, family history and risk factors
Health screenings in Middle Tennessee
At Ascension Saint Thomas, you can schedule preventive care and screenings based on your age, family history and risk factors
About cancer screenings at Ascension Saint Thomas
Regular preventive health care and screenings may help find cancer and other health concerns early, when they’re most treatable and when more treatment options are available. At Ascension Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas 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.
Connected to advanced care in Nashville
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.
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 at Ascension Saint Thomas
Start a conversation with a doctor at Ascension Saint Thomas about the screenings that are right for you, based on your age and family history:
Regular Pap tests are recommended for women beginning at age 20 and into your 50s, or as recommended by your doctor.
Regular colon screening may help find polyps and cancer early. Doctors at Ascension Saint Thomas 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.
FIND A COLONOSCOPY DOCTORA 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 Saint Thomas about whether a low-dose CT screening is right for you.
FIND A PCP NEAR MECare teams at Ascension Saint Thomas 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.
SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM FIND A MAMMOGRAM LOCATION FIND A PRIMARY CARE DOCTORDoctors at Ascension Saint Thomas recommend men at increased risk for prostate cancer begin speaking to their doctor about PSA-based prostate cancer screening at age 40. If not at increased risk, men are recommended to start prostate cancer screenings at age 50.
FIND A PROVIDER NEAR MEGenetic testing and counseling
Genetic counselors at Ascension Saint Thomas 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.
Connected to a network of care at Ascension Saint Thomas
If you need more care, including more advanced treatment options, you are connected to a team of experienced specialists and care teams. These may include radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, and physical therapists. Your care team will take the time to explain your results, follow up, procedures and walk you through every step of your care journey. We’ll listen to your concerns and work with you to determine the appropriate care plan.
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.
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 in Middle Tennessee 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 they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Frequently asked questions about our cancer care services
Your doctor and care team get to know you well, and you’ll receive care for the whole person – from physical health and well-being to mental and emotional health to support for your family and caregivers. At Ascension Saint Thomas, we provide innovative medication treatments, the latest surgical technologies and techniques, high-tech radiation facilities and support services. Our oncologists are part of a national team of cancer specialists sharing the latest in cancer care knowledge and research.
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care team can connect you to a financial counselor.
At Ascension Saint Thomas cancer center and clinics, we offer convenient parking. Talk to your care team if you have transportation needs.
Surgical oncologists and anesthesiologists provide enhanced recovery pathways as part of your surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatment, to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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