Cancer Screening
Comprehensive cervical and breast cancer screening services for early detection and prevention as part of annual well-woman care.
Overview
Legacy OB/GYN offers cancer screening services as part of annual well-woman visits, providing testing for both cervical and breast cancer detection. Since most cancers show no early symptoms, regular screening enables early detection of cervical cancer, precancerous growths, and breast cancer, even when asymptomatic. Early cancer detection enables easier, more effective treatment options.
What to Expect
- Annual Pap smear for cervical cancer screening
- Monthly at-home breast self-exams following menstrual periods
- Annual manual breast exams during well-woman checkups
- Mammograms starting at age 45 (annual until 55, then potentially every other year)
- More frequent testing for high-risk patients
- Earlier screening for those with personal/family cancer history
Frequently Asked Questions
When should women begin cervical cancer screening?
Women should begin having Pap smears when they become sexually active or at the age of 21, whichever comes first.
How often should I get a mammogram?
Women ages 45-55 should have annual mammograms. After age 55, most women can reduce their mammograms to every other year. High-risk patients may need earlier and more frequent screening.
Who is considered high-risk for cancer?
High-risk factors include personal or family history of cervical cancer, abnormal cells, HIV status, organ transplant recipients, or exposure to certain medications.
Conditions We Treat
- Early detection of cervical cancer
- Precancerous cervical cell changes
- Early detection of breast cancer
- High-risk cancer screening (personal/family history, abnormal cells, HIV, organ transplant recipients, certain medication exposures)
Key Benefits
- Early cancer detection enables easier, more effective treatment
- Regular monitoring and prevention
- Screening tailored to individual risk factors
- Comprehensive approach covering both cervical and breast cancer
- Integration with annual well-woman visits
- Peace of mind through proactive screening