Cancer Screening & Testing

Research shows that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. It’s the most common form of cancer in the U.S. and second leading cause of death. Early detection is crucial to increase the chance of successful treatment. In fact, the five-year survival rate for Stage 0 – which can be detected by a mammogram screening – is 98%.

Who should get screened:

• Women aged 40 to 44: Optional mammogram annually.
• Women aged 45 to 54: Mammogram every year.
• Women aged 55 and older: Mammogram every 1-2 years, depending on individual preference or health history.
• High-Risk Individuals:
• Women with a family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations (BRCA1/BRCA2) should consider earlier and more frequent screening, often starting at age 30.

3D mammography is available at multiple locations throughout Allen County and at all Parkview community hospitals. Learn more here.

Cervical cancer screening is a vital preventive measure that helps detect abnormal cells in the cervix, which could potentially develop into cancer. The two most common screening tests are the Pap smear (Pap test) and the HPV test, which check for precancerous changes and the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer.

Who should get screened:

• Women aged 21 to 29: Pap test every 3 years.
• Women aged 30 to 65: Pap test combined with HPV testing every 5 years or Pap test alone every 3 years.
• Women over 65: Screening can be stopped if regular tests in the past 10 years have been normal.
• High-Risk Individuals:
• Women with a history of cervical cancer, those with HIV, or those who are immunocompromised may need more frequent screenings.

To schedule an appointment with a Parkview Physicians Group – OB/GYN for your cervical cancer screening, call 260-425-6650.

Colorectal cancer screening is a preventive measure used to detect early signs of colorectal cancer, often before symptoms develop. It involves colonoscopies and other tests that check for abnormal growths (polyps) or cancer in the colon or rectum.

Who should get screened:

• Adults aged 45 and older: Regular screening with a colonoscopy every 10 years, or other tests like stool-based tests (every 1 to 3 years), depending on the method chosen.
• High-Risk Individuals:
  • Those with a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain genetic syndromes (such as Lynch syndrome) may need earlier and more frequent screening.

To schedule a colonoscopy with the Parkview Colon Screening Clinic, call 260-266-9085.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Findings of a large clinical trial showed that lung CT scan screenings reduced lung cancer deaths among smokers by detecting cancer earlier so it can be treated more effectively.

Who should get screened:

• Adults between the ages of 50 and 77
• Those with a tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (one pack-year = smoking one pack per day for one year, one pack = 20 cigarettes)
• Current smokers or those who have quit smoking within the last 15 years

Speak with your primary care physician about obtaining a SmartLung CT as part of your overall health program. Your doctor can refer you for the scan, help you schedule and provide follow-up as needed.

Prostate cancer screening can help identify cancer early on, when treatment is most effective. Screening blood tests, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), are available through your physician, at the annual Focus on Health sites for a nominal fee, or community outreach events.

Who should get screened:

• Men aged 50 and older: Discuss the pros and cons of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing with a healthcare provider.
• Men at higher risk (African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer): Consider screening beginning at age 45.

Screening frequency:

• PSA testing intervals may vary from 1 to 2 years based on initial test results and risk factors.

Speak with your primary care physician to schedule a screening blood test for prostate cancer.

Skin cancer screening is essential for detecting skin cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable. Skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, is the most common form of cancer, but it can often be effectively treated if caught early. Regular screening involves a professional skin examination or self-checks for new or unusual growths, changes in existing moles, or any lesions that don't heal.

Screening recommendations:

• Self-exams: Conduct monthly skin self-examinations to check for new or changing moles, spots, or lesions. The “ABCDE rule” is a guide to identify suspicious moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolving in shape or size.
• Professional screenings: Visit a dermatologist annually or more frequently if you're at higher risk. Dermatologists may use tools like dermatoscopes to closely examine skin for abnormalities.
• Sun safety measures: In addition to screening, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.