Cancer prevention

Schedule preventive screenings at Ascension Wisconsin based on your age, risk factors and family history to help detect cancer early

Cancer prevention in Wisconsin

Schedule preventive screenings at Ascension Wisconsin based on your age, risk factors and family history to help detect cancer early

Cancer prevention at Ascension Wisconsin

The Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Prevention and Wellness Program specializes in the assessment and care for those who are at increased risk for developing cancer. Your team can recommend targeted screenings, testing and follow-up care based on your individual risk factors. They’ll work with you to create a personalized plan and connect you to care that supports your overall well-being and health goals.

Health screenings at Ascension Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin, we provide convenient diagnostic imaging tests, including mammograms, colonoscopies, low-dose CT lung scans and many other health screenings.

Understanding and managing your risk for cancer

Being at a higher risk for developing cancer can leave you with a lot of questions and uncertainty. Your Ascension Wisconsin care team is here to listen, support you and answer your questions.

Getting recommended screenings may help detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable and more treatment options may be available.

Start with a conversation

Ascension Wisconsin associates answer questions about genetic counseling and explains how your family's medical history is an important tool to help your provider plan, improve and be proactive with your care.

Risk factors for cancer

Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you’ll develop cancer. If you have concerns about your risk, talk with your doctor about whether Ascension Wisconsin’s Cancer Prevention and Wellness Program is right for you.

While your genetics may not be something you can change, you can modify things in your everyday life to lower your cancer risk. If any of the following apply to you, you may be at a higher risk for some cancers:

  • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
  • Close family history of cancer (diagnosed before age 50)
  • Family history of ovarian, pancreatic, metastatic prostate or male breast cancer
  • Known genetic mutation (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2)
  • Multiple family members diagnosed with cancer
  • Personal history of cancer

  • History of colon polyps (more than 10)
  • Prior infections such as:
    • Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori)
    • Hepatitis B or C
    • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Abnormal breast biopsy result
  • Radiation treatment to the chest before age 30

  • Tobacco use (current or former)
  • Excess sun or UV exposure (like sunlamps or tanning beds)
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Obesity

Family health history campaign guide

Your Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Prevention and Wellness care team provides tools to help you understand your family health history and how it may relate to cancer risk. Once you complete the guide, you and your doctor can discuss your family medical history (parents, siblings and other relatives who had cancer), how genes are linked to certain types of cancer and what medical conditions and lifestyle choices can increase your risk.

Download the Family Health History Campaign Guide

Cancer screening options

Even without symptoms or a family history of cancer, talk with your doctor about your risk factors and recommended screenings.

Preventive screenings may help find cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

Ascension Wisconsin offers convenient access to screenings including mammograms, colonoscopies and low-dose CT lung scans.

Annual mammograms are beginning at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, ask your Ascension Wisconsin doctor about earlier screening.

For those at high risk of breast cancer, additional screening may be recommended.

If you’ve been notified that you have dense breasts but are not at high-risk for breast cancer, you may consider supplemental screening with an abbreviated breast MRI. This test is recommended every two to three years and is a $500 self-pay study. Talk with your care team about the right screening plan for you.

SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM - SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN

SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM - FOX VALLEY

Regular colon screenings may help find polyps and cancer early. Doctors at Ascension Wisconsin 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.

Learn more about colon screenings at Ascension Wisconsin.

Prostate cancer screening helps identify prostate cancer before symptoms develop. Screening is performed with a blood test called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test. Many providers will also perform a digital rectal exam to identify prostate cancer. It’s recommended that men start screening as follows:

  • Age 50: Average risk of prostate cancer.
  • Age 45: Higher risk of prostate cancer. This includes African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65.
  • Age 40: Men at highest risk (those with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age).

A low-dose CT lung screening* may help detect lung nodules and cancer early and can also identify other lung conditions, like lung fibrosis, COPD and other breathing disorders. Talk with a doctor at Ascension Wisconsin if you need help to stop smoking or call our Cancer Prevention and Wellness Team Smoking Cessation Clinic.

*A referral is required for a low-dose CT scan. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, call our Cancer Prevention and Wellness Program at 262-785-2273 to discuss your screening options.

Care teams at Ascension Wisconsin recommend mammogram screenings 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.

Learn more about breast cancer screenings at Ascension Wisconsin.

Care teams at Ascension Wisconsin recommend regular Pap tests for women beginning at age 20 and recommend continuing those tests into their 50s or as recommended by their doctor.

Learn more about gynecologic cancer care at Ascension Wisconsin.

Screenings help detect and remove polyps and find cancer early, when it is most treatable and more treatment options may be available. These screenings are not only used to detect cancer — they can help prevent it by identifying and removing polyps before they become cancerous.

Colon cancer screening options may include colonoscopy, stool DNA testing (Cologuard) or fecal occult blood tests. Talk with your doctor about which option is right for you based on your age, family history and other risk factors.

Screening is recommended beginning at age 45 for most adults. You may need to start earlier if you have a personal or family history of polyps or colorectal cancer. Talk with your doctor if you have symptoms such as:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Unexplained weight loss

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.

Women should begin getting regular Pap tests and clinical breast exams. Men should be getting annual health screenings.

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.

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.

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.

Personalized wellness plan

Your Ascension Wisconsin care team focuses on your personal wellness, creating a personalized plan based on your risk factors and health goals. Your wellness plan may include:

  • Enhanced screening and testing
  • Genetic counseling and testing
  • Health coaching and goal setting
  • Follow-up care coordination with your primary care provider
  • Referrals to other specialists to treat risk factors (such as a registered dietician for weight management)
  • Risk-reducing medications
  • Risk-reducing procedures
  • Smoking and tobacco cessation plans by a certified tobacco treatment specialist, including medications and behavior modification
  • Potential clinical trials and research that focuses on cancer prevention, like breast cancer risk reduction

Your Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Prevention and Wellness will share your plan with your primary care doctor to support coordinated care. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 262-785-2273. Virtual visits may be available.

Cancer survivorship classes and events

Cancer survivorship programs and events may be available. Ask your Ascension Wisconsin care team for more information.

How to get a personalized risk assessment

At your appointment, an advanced practice clinician takes time to understand you and your health concerns. They’ll review your personal and family history and perform an evaluation to assess your cancer risk. Your assessment may include:

  • Genetic testing based on risk factors
  • Physical evaluation

Your care team will help coordinate recommended testing and referrals with specialists as needed.

Kara and Mike's story

Despite her fears, Kara received support from her family and her Ascension Wisconsin care team, who helped her throughout her treatment and while pregnant.

Cancer prevention and wellness program locations

The Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Prevention and Wellness Program is available at many locations, close to home:

Southeast Wisconsin

Ascension All Saints Hospital Cancer Center - Racine

Ascension SE Wisconsin - Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa

Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center - Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Milwaukee Campus

Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Franklin Campus

Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - St. Joseph Campus

Ascension St. Francis Hospital - Milwaukee

Fox Valley

Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin - 1501 Madison Street, Appleton

Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin - Ninth Avenue, Oshkosh

About our cancer prevention team

Your Cancer Prevention and Wellness team uses personal and family history, along with genetic testing to assess cancer risk of individuals and their family members.

Based on your results, your team recommends screenings and develops a personalized risk reduction plan. They’ll coordinate care with your primary care doctor and connect you to additional specialists as needed.

Genetic testing and counseling

Genetic counselors at Ascension Wisconsin 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.

How to get more care

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.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.

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