Like birthdays and taxes, the time for your cancer exam should happen every year. According to the American Cancer Society's Recommended Cancer Screening Guidelines, you should follow the appropriate screenings for your age group.
And these guidelines have worked. For the second straight year, cancer deaths have declined, in part due to screenings.
Ask your doctor about getting one of the below screenings or exams, or call (773) 878-6888 to find a doctor at Swedish Covenant Hospital.
According to the American Cancer Society, everyone 50 and over needs regular colon exams. Even if you've had a colon exam before, time flies-so make sure you're up to date. Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. But if it's caught early enough, it has a 90% cure rate.
Colon health exams usually include one of the following:
According to the American Cancer Society, your mammogram should happen every year for women 40 and over. If you've never had a mammogram, they are the best way to check for breast cancer, even before a lump can be felt. And if caught early enough, breast cancer can be cured.
Digital mammograms can be scheduled at Swedish Covenant Hospital within one week. Even if you've had a mammogram before, make sure you're up to date. If your primary care physician is not affiliated with Swedish Covenant Hospital, you can still schedule your mammogram with us. Your results will be faxed to your physician. To schedule your appointment, please call our Call Center at (773) 878-6888.
In addition, you should conduct monthly breast self-exams from age 18-39, with a clinical breast exam every three years. Once 40 and over, you should continue with monthly breast self-exams as well as a yearly clinical breast exam.
Prostate Screening
According to the American Cancer Society, your prostate exam should happen every year for men 50 and over. If you've never had a prostate exam, there are two different types: a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)blood test and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE). Both are simple, quick exams. And if caught early enough, prostate cancer can be cured.
Men and women between 18 and 39 years old should get a skin exam at the time of check-up (at least once every three years) and once a year after age 40.
Testicular Screening
Men over 18 years old should perform a testicular self-exam monthly.
