Cancer screening exams are medical tests done when you’re healthy. When your doctor suggests a screening test, it does not mean he or she thinks you have cancer. Screening tests are done when you have no cancer symptoms. They can help find cancer at an early stage, before symptoms appear. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat or cure.
Greenville Health System (GHS) has screening plans for men and women, based on their chances of getting cancer. The exam you get and how often you are tested depends on whether you are at average, increased, or high risk for cancer.
It’s important to know if people in your family have had cancer. This information, along with your personal health history, helps your health care provider find out if you’re at increased or high risk. You and your health care provider can use this information to make a well-informed decision about cancer screening. Click here to view the American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer.
GHS recommends screening exams for the following cancers:
Breast cancer
Cervical cancer
Colorectal cancer
Ovarian and endometrial cancer
Prostate cancer
Skin cancer
Knowing when to get a mammogram, a colonoscopy or any other test to screen for the presence of cancer can be confusing. However, these tests are important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and peace of mind for you and your family. The best protection is at times detection. Cancers found before they cause symptoms are the easiest to treat and cure.
If you are interested in getting screened, visit our LOVE LIFE screening page. We can help you decide which screening test is right for you, send you information, and arrange your cancer screening. Many cancers if caught early are easily treated. GHS offers free cancer screenings throughout the year. Schedule your screening appointment today.