Detecting Cancer Early Could Save Your Life

Did you know some cancers can be detected before symptoms ever appear? This process, called screening, looks for precancerous cells, cancer or conditions that may increase your risk.

Which Screenings Are Right for Me?


The screenings that are best for you depend on factors such as:

Your

Age

Your

Sex

Your Family

Health History

Your

Smoking History

Breast Cancer

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and often is the most effective way of detecting breast cancer early.

  • Ages 30 to 39: Clinical breast exam every year
  • Ages 40 and older: Mammogram every year
  • Those who may be at an increased risk of breast cancer because of family history or their own medical history may start screening before age 40.
Schedule Your Mammogram Find Out Your Breast Cancer Risk

Cervical Cancer

Pap smears can detect precancerous cells that can develop into cancer without treatment. The HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus that can trigger the cells to develop into cancer.

  • Ages 21 to 29: Pap smear every one to three years
  • Ages 30 and up: A normal Pap smear may allow you to wait three years before another. A normal HPV test may allow you to wait five years for the next one. If both tests conducted at the same time are normal, you may be able to wait five years to do it again. Talk to your health care provider about what’s right for you.
Find a Primary Care Provider

Colon Cancer

  • Ages 45 and above and at average risk for colon cancer: People in this age group should get a colonoscopy every 10 years.
  • Those who may be at an increased risk for colon cancer due to family history or genetic syndromes may need to start screening earlier. Talk to your health care provider about what’s best for you.
Schedule Your Colonoscopy

Lung Cancer

Low-dose CT scan is used to screen for lung cancer. Patients must meet the following criteria for a lung cancer screening:

  • Ages 50 to 80
  • Are a current smoker or quit within the past 15 years
  • Smoking history of 20 pack-years (Multiply typical packs per day by number of years. For example, two packs per day for 10 years is 20 pack-years.)
Call to Schedule Your Lung Screening

Because They Screened

Behind every screening is a story. At Norton Healthcare, we’ve seen firsthand how early detection can change lives — and even save them.

Meet our patients who made the decision to get screened. Each discovered cancer at an early stage, when treatment was more effective. Their journeys are proof that screening isn’t just a test — it’s a chance for more moments, more milestones and more tomorrows.

Because they screened, they are here to share their stories.

Lung screening catches woman’s cancer, avoids need for chemo or radiation

Margaret’s Lung Cancer Story

Breast cancer survivor recalls journey to celebrate

Rachel’s Breast Cancer Story

When a nurse becomes a patient and still finds ways to take care of others

Vicki’s Colon Cancer Story