You may be thinking, “It’s time to get up-to-date on my screenings - I’d like to get my cancer screening in honor of someone I love.” Congratulations! That’s a really smart and loving thing to do. Early detection of asymptomatic cancer is the best way to beat it.

If you’ve delayed getting your essential cancer screening because you’re concerned about safety during the pandemic, don’t worry. All BayCare facilities have put enhanced measures in place to help keep you safe from COVID-19. Putting off your screening may place you at risk for missing an early stage asymptomatic cancer, so we’re glad you’ve decided not to wait.

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Who Will You Honor?

Take the first step to getting your cancer screening by finding a doctor to recommend the right screenings for you.

Learn More About Breast Screening

As we age, the kinds of screenings we need and the frequency of those screenings evolves. Our gender, family history, preexisting conditions and lifestyle choices may make us more susceptible to certain types of cancer, so regular screenings should be a priority.

It’s important to talk with your doctor about the cancer screenings that are right for you.

Cancer Type Recommendation Considerations
Breast

Mammography

Schedule your screening mammogram here
Colorectal Age to begin screening: For average risk patients age 45 Discuss with physician type of screening test. After first screening, subsequent screenings are based on initial test results. 
Prostate

Age to begin screening: Shared decision making for men age 50-75
Screening frequency: Varies based on initial screening

For African American men or men with family history of prostate cancer, discuss with provider for possible earlier screening.

Cervical

 Aged less than 21 years: No screening
Aged 21-29 years: Cytology alone every 3 years
Aged 30-65 years: Any one of the following:

  • Cytology alone every 3 years
  • FDA-approved primary hrHPV testing alone every 5 years
  • Cotesting (hrHPV testing and cytology) every 5 years

Aged greater than 65 years: No screening after adequate negative prior screening results
Hysterectomy with removal of the cervix: No screening in individuals who do not have a history of high-grade cervical precancerous lesions or cervical cancer

Talk to your doctor about personalized, recommended screenings based on your history and age.

Skin Average risk patients for skin cancer do not need an annual screening visit with a dermatologist.  Patients who notice any new or suspicious spots on their skin, as well as anything changing, itching, or bleeding, should see their primary care physician and/or a board-certified dermatologist.
For screening purposes, patients who have a personal or family history of melanoma, frequent sunburns, light skin, or blonde or red hair are considered high risk.  For questions on your risk for skin cancer, discuss with your primary care provider.
Lung

 Low risk patients for lung cancer do not need an annual lung cancer screening.

Although age and smoking history increase your risk, there are other potential risk factors for lung cancer such as occupational exposure, toxic exposure, cancer history, family history, and underlying lung disease. Please discuss with your primary care provider during your annual visit.