St. John's Services Cancer Care Cancer Screening

Cancer Screening

Early Detection Saves Lives

When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it is often easier to treat. That’s why HSHS St. John’s Hospital utilizes a variety of screening tests to detect cancers and provide better opportunities for patients to obtain more effective treatment. Regular screening exams can greatly reduce your risk for certain types of cancers.

Breast MRI

This imaging test is often used for women who carry a harmful mutation in the BRCA1 gene or the BRCA2 gene because these women have a high risk of breast cancer and are at an increased risk for other cancers.

Mammography

This method to screen for breast cancer has been shown to reduce mortality from the disease among women over the age of 40.

PSA Test

This blood test, which is often done along with a digital rectal exam, is able to detect prostate cancer at an early stage.

Risk Factors

In many cases, we do not know exactly why one person develops cancer and another does not, however, there is some research that shows certain risk factors may increase a person’s chances of developing cancer. Those who may be at a higher risk may have a family history of cancer or have previously had cancer before. Learning which cancer screening tests are right for you is important.

Cancer Screening Tests

Colonoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy, and High-Sensitivity Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBTs)

These tests have all been shown to reduce deaths from colorectal cancer.

Low-dose CT Lung Screening

This test to screen for lung cancer has been shown to reduce lung cancer deaths among heavy smokers ages 55 to 74.