Screening Tests
A screening test may find cancer before symptoms appear, but it usually does not diagnose cancer. If a screening test result is abnormal, more tests are performed to check for cancer. For example, a screening mammogram may find a lump in the breast; however more tests need to be done to find out if the lump is cancerous. These are called diagnostic tests.
Screening or assessment tests are available for the following cancers:
To see a list of upcoming community screenings, please click here.
Some screening tests are used only for people who have known risk factors for certain types of cancer. People known to have a higher risk of cancer than others include those who have:
- Had cancer in the past
- Two or more first-degree relatives (a parent, brother, or sister) who have had cancer
- Certain gene mutations (changes) that have been linked to cancer
- Smoked or used tobacco products
- Excessive sun exposure
People who have a high risk of cancer may need to be screened more often or at an earlier age than other people.