Screenings & Diagnosis

Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer in both men and women and the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. But when found and removed early, the chances of a full recovery are very good.

Talk to your doctor about colon cancer screening starting at age 45, or younger if you have a personal or family history of:

• Colorectal cancer or polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Or ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer

Colorectal cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages and often develops over years. However, having regular colonoscopies can prevent this disease. These exams can be done with a referral at Enloe’s Digestive Health or Colorectal and General Surgery clinics. Learn more about this condition and colon cancer treatment options.

Enloe also offers Fecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT), which tests for hidden blood in stool as a potential sign of colon cancer. 

About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. and 1 in 883 men will get breast cancer in their lifetime. Finding it early gives you the best chance of successful breast cancer treatment, so it’s important to know how your chest looks and feels normally.

Talk to your provider immediately if you notice changes, and let him or her know if you have a family history of breast cancer. It’s also important to get a mammogram regularly.

• If you’re 40-44, you can do so every year.
• If you’re 45-54, you should get an exam every year.
• If you’re 55 or older, get a mammogram every other year unless your care team recommends annual examinations.

Talk to your provider for a referral to Enloe Comprehensive Breast Care to get your exam. Want to know more about breast cancer? Learn about surgery treatment options and mastectomy recovery.

According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer is the fourth-most common cancer among women. In the next year alone, it’s expected that about 14,100 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed. To help prevent cervical cancer or find it early, regular Pap screenings are recommended for women beginning at the age of 21.

Talk to your doctor about cervical cancer and whether regular Pap tests are recommended for you.

Besides skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most-common cancer among men in the U.S. About 1 in 9 men will get this condition during his lifetime. Routine prostate cancer screening is not recommended for all men. However, research has found that screening can be helpful.

Talk to your doctor about this cancer, starting at age 45. If you’re African-American or have close relatives who had prostate cancer before age 65, discuss testing with your provider at age 40. There are several prostate cancer treatment options.

At ages 50-80, discuss annual, low-dose CT scans of your chest with your doctor if you’re a heavy smoker, currently smoke or quit in the last 15 years.

Check your skin monthly. Tell your provider if spots change in size, shape or color. Ask for a skin exam as a part of your regular checkups.