About cancer screenings

Regular preventive health care screenings may help find cancer and other health concerns early, when they’re most treatable and more treatment options may be available. At Ascension St. Vincent’s, we provide convenient diagnostic access to preventive screenings, including walk-in mammograms, colonoscopies and low-dose CT lung scans.

Talk with your doctor about which screenings are right for you. Many screenings at St. Vincent’s offer convenient scheduling options, including online scheduling and appointments close to home.

Health screenings for early cancer detection

Even if you don’t have symptoms or a family history of cancer or aren’t having symptoms, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your risk factors and recommended screenings.

• 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 regular clinical breast exams and begin HPV testing with Pap tests. Men should continue 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 an increased risk for prostate cancer should discuss PSA-based prostate cancer screening.
• Age 50 and older: Women should continue regular mammograms, colonoscopies, HPV tests and Pap tests, or as recommended by their doctor. Men should continue regular colonoscopies and start or continue prostate cancer screenings.

Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage for screenings and preventive care. Many screenings may be covered based on your age and risk factors.

Genetic testing and counseling

Genetic counselors at Ascension St. Vincent’s provide genetic testing and counseling. If you’re 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 and create a personalized screening or care plan.

Connected to advanced care at Ascension St. Vincent’s

If follow-up care is needed, including more advanced treatment options, you are connected to specialists across Ascension St. Vincent’s, including radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, surgeons and physical therapists.

Your care team will take the time to answer your questions and explain your results, follow-up care and any next steps.

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.