Regular preventive care and screenings may help find cancer, heart disease and other health risks early, when they are most treatable. When you choose Ascension Illinois, you can talk with a doctor about the screenings that are right for you or schedule directly.
Preventive care and health screenings at Ascension Illinois
At Ascension Illinois, you may schedule the following screenings directly, without a doctor’s referral:
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. Talk to your doctor if you want to discuss screening options before scheduling.
SCHEDULE A SCREENING – 855-922-2523
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A heart scan helps identify, visualize and measure calcium-containing plaque buildup in your arteries. Based on the measurements, you are given a calcium score, which can help you and your doctor better understand your risk of heart disease or heart attack. This test is completed via a CT scan and may allow your doctor to detect significant coronary artery disease before you have symptoms of chest pain or angina.
SCHEDULE A SCREENING – 877-596-7314
A lung screening helps you and your doctor better understand your lung health. A low-dose CT scan may help find lung nodules and cancer, and it may help diagnose lung fibrosis, COPD and other breathing disorders.
SCHEDULE A SCREENING – 877-262-5066
A vascular screening can help you and your doctor find problems early and help you understand your risk for vascular diseases, such as stroke, aneurysm and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
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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.
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Health screenings for early cancer detection
Even if you don’t have a family history of cancer or 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.
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.
Connected to a network of care at Ascension Illinois
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.
