Screening and Prevention

Screening tests look for certain cancers, even before there are symptoms. Early detection of cancer makes it easier to treat. That's why cancer screening is such an important part of caring for your health. Some screening tests help prevent cancer, by finding and removing conditions that may lead to cancer.

This page contains more information and helpful videos explaining:

Legacy Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program
Mammography, used to find breast cancer early, when it's most treatable
Colonoscopy, used to find and remove polyps, the precursors
to colorectal cancer
Pap tests, used to find cervical cancer early, and the HPV vaccine to protect from cervical cancer
How fallopian tube removal may prevent ovarian cancer
Hepatitis C testing, used to find the disease early, when it is treatable, and to reduce the risk of liver cancer

Hereditary breast cancer syndrome — see if you’re at risk

If you have your screening mammogram at Legacy Breast Health Center–Meridian Park, you will be offered a free breast cancer risk assessment through Legacy's Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program. Learn more.

Watch this news story to learn more about your options for genetic counseling and testing.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy can help prevent and find colorectal cancer. Learn more about this screening, including how to make an appointment.

Still feeling a bit apprehensive about having a colonoscopy? Watch our interview with Dr. Frankhouse (see above) and find out why this screening is so important.

Mammograms

Mammograms help physicians find breast cancer at its most treatable. Learn more about this screening, including what to expect and how to make an appointment.

Do you want more information about mammograms? Then watch our interview with Dr. Nathalie Johnson (see above) and let her answer all your questions.

If you are younger than 40, watch this story on breast cancer in young women, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Pap smear and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test

The Pap and HPV test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The Pap test looks for precancers which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cancer without appropriate treatment. The HPV test looks for the virus which can cause these cell changes. Let us help you find a physician so you can make an appointment for your screening today.

Also, watch Dr. Audrey Curtis talk about the HPV vaccines available to protect women from the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.

Fallopian tube removal

Legacy Cancer Institute recommends that certain women consider fallopian tube removal as a way to prevent future ovarian cancer:
• Women past their child-bearing years who are having a hysterectomy or other pelvic or abdominal surgery
• Women choosing to have their “tubes tied” (tubal ligation)
• Women who have a strong family history or known genetic predisposition for breast or ovarian cancer

Learn more about the science behind this recommendation. Watch the TV story to hear from Legacy Cancer Institute experts.

Hepatitis C testing

A one-time blood test for hepatitis C can save lives. The test can catch the disease before symptoms appear, and in time for possible treatment. Infection with the hepatitis C virus can lead to liver cirrhosis and later to liver cancer. Risk factors for hepatitis C include past IV drug use, blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992, and work-related exposure to blood.

Learn more about the CDC's recommendation for baby boomers.