Comprehensive cancer screening in Carthage, TX
Explore the full range of cancer screening services available at UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center. Our dedicated oncology team offers affordable cancer screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and skin cancers. When you schedule regular cancer screenings, you greatly improve your chance of detecting early cancer early, which can increase your chance for a successful treatment outcome. Trust the HOPE Cancer Center for exceptional cancer care, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and beyond.
Our cancer screening services
Screening for cancer is crucial, even if you feel healthy. Regular screenings can detect cancer at its earliest stages, significantly improving your chances for a positive outcome. It’s important to stay up-to-date on risk factors and know when you’re due for a screening.
At UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center, our oncology team provides comprehensive cancer screening services. Please click below to learn more about our various screening services. Should you receive a positive cancer diagnosis, our oncologists will work diligently to ensure you receive exceptional treatment tailored to your needs.
Breast cancer screenings
One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, which is why early detection is key. The UT Health East Texas HOPE Breast Care Center offers breast care services across East Texas, including a travelling mammography unit to make getting the care you need easy and convenient.
The best way to detect breast cancer early is through a mammogram screening. Annual mammogram screening should begin at age 40. The incidence of breast cancer increases substantially around age 40. Women at higher risk for breast cancer due to family history or other factors should speak to their doctor about initiating annual screening early than age 40.
In addition to 3D mammography, we also offer:
- Bone density tests
- Breast MRI
- Breast ultrasounds
- Genetic testing
- R2 ImageChecker scan
- Stereotactic breast biopsy
Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer treatment is given the best chance for success when cancer is found early. Regular screening exams help make that possible. It’s important for women to get a well-woman check-up every year. If you notice any changes, such as irregular bleeding or discharge, talk to your doctor.
For most women, the following screening guidelines are recommended.
- Ages 21-29: Pap test every three years
- Age 30-64: Pap test and HPV test every three-five years
- Ages 65+: Talk to your doctor about the frequency of Pap and HPV tests needed
If you’ve had a hysterectomy or are at an increased risk of cervical cancer, you may need to follow a different screening plan. Talk to your doctor about staying up to date on the appropriate screenings for you.
We offer women’s health services at multiple locations across East Texas.
Colorectal cancer screening
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of non-skin cancer, and it rarely shows symptoms until the disease is already advanced. Early detection is crucial. When detected early, 90% of cases can be cured. It’s recommended that individuals at average risk should start being screened for colon cancer at age 45.
At UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center, we offer the following colorectal cancer screening services:
- Cologuard
- Colonoscopy
- FOBT test
Lung cancer screening
For patients at risk for lung cancer, a low dose computerized tomography scan (LDCT) can be performed to find any abnormal areas in the lungs that may be cancerous. For those at higher risk, it’s recommended to receive a LDCT scan annually for the best chance of finding cancers before symptoms start.
If a nodule is found during the LDCT, your doctor may recommend more imaging tests to get a better look or to see how it’s moving or growing overtime. Depending on the findings, the doctor may also recommend a biopsy to get a sample of the tissue to determine if it’s cancerous. Your doctor will walk you through every step and keep you informed.
Lung nodule scanning is available at UT Health East Texas facilities in:
- Athens
- Henderson
- Jacksonville
- Pittsburg
- Quitman
- Tyler
Prostate cancer screening
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and it begins when the cells in the prostate gland begin to grow out of control. In many cases, prostate cancer can be detected early with routine exams. When detected early, patients have nearly 100% survival rate.
It’s recommended that men begin screening between ages 40 and 50, depending on risk level. If you’re at an increased risk of prostate cancer, you may need to begin screening at an earlier age.
Screening is performed with a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check for tumors. Your provider may perform a blood test to check for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). If the DRE and PSA are positive, your urologist may perform an ultrasound or recommend a prostate biopsy to confirm diagnosis.
Skin cancer screening
If caught early, skin cancer is usually curable. It’s recommended that you check your skin for the following once a month:
- Growths that increase in size over time
- Moles, birthmarks or brown spots that increase in size, thickness, color or texture
- Spots or sores that continue to itch, hurt, crust, scab or bleed
- Open sores that don’t heal within three weeks
Screening recommendations for women
Following the recommended screening guidelines will help catch cancer early, giving you the greatest opportunity for recovery. See the guidelines below for women.
Annual checkups:
- Flu immunization: Annual during the season for all women. Contraindicated if allergic to eggs.
- Gynecological consult for annual PAP test: Annually for all females who are sexually active.
- Skin cancer screening: Ask your physician about regular skin and mole exams. Inspect your body for any unusual occurrences.
Every 10 years:
- Tetanus immunization: Single vaccine every 10 years unless exposure or other contraindication.
Over 40 years old:
- Mammography screening: Annual for all women ages 40 and older. Previous diagnostic mammography may require additional tests.
Over 45 years old:
- Colorectal cancer screening: Baseline colonoscopy to be done on all female patients age 45 and older. Then, every 10 years unless otherwise indicated.
Over 55 years old:
- Lung cancer screening: Current or former smoker, age 55-77.
Over 60 years old:
- Shingles screening: Immunize at age 60 or older.
Over 65 years old:
Pneumonia immunization: Immunize at age 65, then every 5 years unless contraindicated.
Osteoporosis screening: Baseline screening for all female patients age 65 and older. Age 60 or older for women at increased risk for osteoporosis.
Screening recommendations for men
Following the recommended screening guidelines will help catch cancer early, giving you the greatest opportunity for recovery. See the guidelines below for men.
Annual checkups:
- Flu immunization: Annual during the season for all men. Contraindicated if allergic to eggs.
- Skin cancer screening: Ask your physician about regular skin and mole exams. Inspect your body for any unusual occurrences.
Every 10 years:
- Tetanus immunization: Single vaccine every 10 years unless exposure or other contraindication.
Over 45 years old:
- Colorectal cancer screening: Baseline colonoscopy to be done on all male patients age 45 and older. Then, every 10 years unless otherwise indicated.
Over 50 years old:
- Prostate cancer screening: Discuss with your physician at age 50, or at age 45 for men at an increased risk.
Over 55 years old:
- Lung cancer screening: Current or former smoker, age 55-77.
Over 60 years old:
- Shingles screening: Immunize at age 60 or older.
Over 65 years old:
Pneumonia immunization: Immunize at age 65, then every 5 years unless contraindicated.
