Getting screened can help identify cancer at its earliest stages, often before symptoms begin.

When cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, you typically have more treatment options and a better chance of it being cured than if it is caught at a later stage of the disease.

Talk to the experts at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center about a personalized screening schedule based on your age, sex, health history, family history of cancer, and personalized risk factors, along with other factors.

Recommended Cancer Screenings

Breast cancer
As one of the most common cancers in women, the five-year survival rate for early detected breast cancer is more than 90%. Women aged 40 or older, women with a family history of breast cancer, or those with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations are recommended for breast cancer screenings.

Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), develops slowly but can be detected in its earliest stages. Women over age 25 should receive cervical cancer screenings.

Colorectal cancer
Most colorectal cancer occurs in adults over age 50, and more often in those patients with a family history of colorectal cancer. But colorectal cancer is preventable with early detection. beginning at age 45, adults should receive colorectal cancer screenings.

Endocrine cancers
Endocrine tumors can be found within different parts of the endocrine system throughout the body. Unlike many other cancers, there are no standard screening guidelines for endocrine cancers.

Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and can be detected before symptoms appear with an annual screening (for those at high risk for lung cancer due to smoking). Find out if you qualify by completing this assessment. 

Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer impacting American men. Early detection is key: There is a 98% chance of long-term survival when prostate cancers are caught early with screening using the PSA blood test.

Skin cancer
Skin cancer, including melanoma and basal and squamous cell carcinomas, is the most common type of cancer. Regular skin checks, especially for patients with fair skin or those with a history of sunburns and exposure, are recommended.

Types of Cancer Screening Tests

Sylvester offers comprehensive cancer screening options to accurately detect and diagnose cancer. Your screening recommendations are personalized to your health and family history and based on the most up-to-date guidelines.

Physical Exam
Your provider will conduct an exam to identify any changes, including lumps or moles.

Personal and Family History
A family history of certain cancers may put you at a higher risk for developing cancer.

Genetic tests
Genetic testing looks for mutations in your genes that might increase your risk of developing cancer.

Imaging tests
Our team may recommend a variety of imaging tests to screen for cancer, including:

• Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• X-ray

Laboratory Tests
The experts in our lab can detect certain cancers using blood, tissue, or urine tests. These tests include:

• Complete blood count: Counts the number of red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin.
• Blood chemistry study: Measures substances released into the blood by organs and tissues.
• 24-hour urine collection: Studies proteins in the urine.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): Measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by both cancerous and non-cancerous cells, in your blood.
• Quantitative immunoglobulin test: Evaluates the health of the immune system by measuring antibodies.
• Serum protein electrophoresis: Measures specific proteins in the blood to identify disease.
• Serum-free light chain testing: Detects plasma cell disorders by evaluating proteins made in your plasma cells.