Detection And Prevention
The best defense against cancer is often a strong offense, including cancer screenings. Finding cancer early, when it is more likely to be successfully treated is still the best way to beat the disease. Let us help you determine what cancer screenings
are right for you based on your age, gender and family history.
Specific Screenings For Men
Premier Health offers a wide variety of cancer screening procedures for men. Learn more about men’s screening guidelines.
Specific Screenings For Women
Premier Health offers a wide variety of cancer screening procedures for women. Learn more about women’s screening guidelines.
Screenings For Everyone
Premier Health offers a wide variety of cancer screening procedures for:
Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Screenings for colon and rectal cancers can find cancer at an early, more treatable stage. Because colon and rectal cancers are so similar, they are often called
colorectal cancer.
Adults of average risk who are between 45 and 75 years of age should have regular screenings for colorectal cancer. Those at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer due to family history or other conditions may need screening at an earlier age or more often. Learn more.
Lung Cancer Screenings
Lung cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be prevented by not smoking. If you are a smoker, ask your doctor to help you quit smoking. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. You can also be at higher risk for lung cancer if you breathe secondhand smoke, have a family history of lung cancer, or have been exposed to certain environmental and workplace substances.
At this time, lung cancer screenings are only recommended for adults at high risk. People at high risk may benefit from regular screening exams that can find lung cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.
You may qualify for a lung cancer
screening if you are between ages 50 to 77 and:
- Are a current smoker (or former smoker who quit in the last 15 years)
- Have a 20 pack-year pack-year smoking history (smoke one pack per day for 20 years or two packs a day for 15 years)
- Do not have any signs or symptoms of lung cancer and have never had lung cancer before
If you meet these criteria, talk to your doctor about a low-dose CT scan. A physician referral is required.
Check with your insurance provider before scheduling an exam, as not all providers cover this cost.
Skin Cancer Screenings
Anyone who spends time in the sun can develop skin cancer. Monthly self-exams using ABCDE skin checks, as well as annual full-body skin exams by your physician, can aid in early detection. Learn more.
Each May, Premier Health collaborates with the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine's Department of Dermatology to offer free skin screenings at locations throughout the area.
HPV (human papillomavirus) Vaccine
Premier Health recommends that females and males 9 to 45 years old receive the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is most effective when given to girls and boys ages 11 to 12. At this age, the vaccine requires two doses. After age 15, three doses are required.
If you’re under 45 and have never been vaccinated for HPV, consider getting the vaccine after discussing with your health care provider.
The HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer, anal cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, and anal and genital warts associated with certain HPV types. The vaccine may also reduce the risk of other HPV-related cancers, including mouth and throat cancers and penile cancer.
Because the HPV vaccine does not protect against all causes of cervical cancer, women should still get regular cervical cancer screenings.
Liver Cancer Screenings
There are no tests like mammograms or Pap tests for the liver. A few tests are available but are not recommended for people at average risk. They may be used if you are at high risk or have symptoms that may suggest liver cancer.
You are at increased risk for liver cancer if you have chronic hepatitis B infection or cirrhosis of the liver. Your risk for cirrhosis of the liver may increase with the medical conditions below:
- Chronic hepatitis C infection
- Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)
- Inherited metabolic disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
For more information about liver cancer screenings, talk to your health care provider.
Diagnostic Testing
If you have a symptom or your screening test result suggests cancer, we can help you find out whether it is due to cancer or to some other cause. Your physician may ask about your personal and family medical history and do a physical exam. You may undergo lab tests, x-rays, or other tests or procedures. Learn more about diagnostic testing.
Breast Cancer Genetic Counseling and Testing
Early detection of breast cancer saves lives. Genetic counseling and testing is available for women at increased risk to develop breast cancer.
Contact Us
Call the Premier Health cancer hotline at (844) 316-HOPE(844) 316-4673 (4673), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to connect with a Premier Health cancer navigator.