Cancer Screening & Testing

Lung cancer (thoracic cancer) is known as the silent killer because it often progresses with no specific symptoms. If you are at high risk of lung cancer, you should get lung cancer screenings to improve your chances of long-term survival.

At Parkview, we offer advanced screening for lung cancer using a low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) scan. This technology is called SmartLung® CT. The noninvasive technology takes just 15 minutes and can detect lung cancer in its early stages.

Lung cancer screenings are recommended for people between 55 and 77 years old who are either active smokers, or who quit smoking within the last 15 years.

Research shows that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. It’s the most common form of cancer in the U.S. and second leading cause of death. Early detection is crucial to increase the chance of successful treatment. In fact, the five-year survival rate for Stage 0 – which can be detected by a mammogram screening – is 98%. To improve chances of survival, an annual mammogram is recommended for women every year after age 40.

A mammogram is a quick and noninvasive screening test for breast cancer. The procedure uses digital imaging to safely create images of the breast tissue. At Parkview Health, you can choose from 2-D or new 3-D mammography. 3-D, or three-dimensional, mammography is a revolutionary new cancer screening and diagnostic tool that helps a radiologist gain a better understanding of your breast tissue. This greater confidence makes it less likely to need follow-up imaging.

Though risk of breast cancer increases as women age, it can still occur in younger women. It’s recommended that women do breast self-examination every month beginning in their 20s.

The best way to protect against skin cancer is to avoid sunburn. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. and its incidence is on the rise. Luckily skin cancer can often be cured when detected early.

Mole checks and skin cancer screenings can help catch the disease early, when treatment is most effective. If a mole, spot, growth or lump on the skin looks suspicious, one of our skilled dermatologists may perform a biopsy to remove a small piece for testing. Annual skin cancer screenings are recommended.

Prostate cancer is found in the male sex gland called the prostate. This is the second most common type of cancer found in men after skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer.

Many times, patients do not experience prostate cancer symptoms, so prostate screenings are very important for early detection. A blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal exam (DRE) are used to screen for prostate cancer. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be required to remove a small tissue sample.

Prostate cancer screenings are recommended for men over the age of 55.