Cancer Care Screenings and Diagnostics

Our breast care centers offer comprehensive resources for breast health, including digital mammography, breast MRI and other imaging technologies. 

See SCL Health mammography guidelines.

While mammograms can dramatically increase a woman’s chances of beating breast cancer, early detection can also decrease the need for extensive, late-stage breast cancer treatments and allow for improved breast conservation should surgery be needed. Women with specific risks should be screened with MRIs along with mammograms. Talk to your doctor about the best screening timeline and technology for you.

Learn how we diagnose and treat breast cancer.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. A colonoscopy can help detect early signs of cancer, including polyps, red or swollen tissue, open sores and bleeding.

Additional tests used to find polyps and/or cancer include:

• CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
• Double-contrast barium enema
• Fecal occult blood test and fecal immunochemical test
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Stool test

Learn how we diagnose and treat colorectal cancer.

Your health history affects your risk of cervical cancer. Talk with your doctor if you have:

• Been diagnosed with HIV
• Received an organ transplant
• Been exposed to diethylstilbestrol or DES (a synthetic form of estrogen)

A Pap test (or smear) is used to screen for cervical cancer. Depending on your age and other factors, you may also be tested for HPV (human papillomavirus), a virus which can increase your risk of cervical cancer.

If your Pap test shows abnormal cells, your doctor may be able to find and treat cervical problems right away, or stop cervical cancer before it becomes life-threatening. You may also have additional testing, including:

• Colposcopy - Your cervix and vagina are looked at with a microscope called a colposcope, which magnifies any abnormal areas
• Endocervical curettage - Cells are taken from the opening of your cervix with a spoon-shaped tool and examined under a microscope. This may be done during the colposcopy.
• Biopsy - A small tissue sample is taken from your cervix and looked at under a microscope. This may be done during the colposcopy.

Learn how we diagnose and treat gynecologic cancer.

Women who’ve completed menopause are at higher risk for uterine cancer. Obesity after menopause and family history are also risk factors. If you experience unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting, or pelvic pain or pressure, talk with your doctor, who may schedule a biopsy or perform other diagnostic tests.

Learn how we diagnose and treat gynecologic cancer.

If you have risk factors, such as a history of smoking or other environmental factors, your doctor may recommend annual screening. Screening is typically done through a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) of the chest, which provides high-quality images with less radiation exposure than a traditional CT scan.

Learn how we diagnose and treat lung cancer.

Because the benefits of being screened for prostate cancer may not outweigh the risks, a decision to be screened should be made with your doctor. If you’re age 50 or over, discuss the pros and cons of screening. African-American men and men who have a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer should begin talking with their doctor at age 45.

Screening involves a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, sometimes in combination with a rectal exam. Frequency of testing will depend on your PSA level.

Learn how we diagnose and treat prostate cancer.