Cancer Screenings

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 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, we offer the following colorectal cancer screening services:

• Cologuard
• Colonoscopy
• FOBT test

Learn more about our colorectal cancer services.

Genetic testing can help determine if you’re at increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer due to your family history. Knowing your cancer risk may help you and your doctor make better informed decisions about increased surveillance, early detection and treatment of certain cancers. Genetic testing allows our oncologists to look inside the DNA of a patient and determine whether or not there is a mutation present. Sometimes a change, called a mutation, exists. This can put someone at an increased risk of a disease.

If we suspect a risk of mutation in the family, we want to look at your family’s medical history. We’ll have you fill out a detailed questionnaire, and if a pattern suggests a certain mutation may be present, we’ll recommend genetic testing. This is recommended for individuals that meet very strict criteria. Because the mutations are rare, we need to find a specific pattern in a family that meets the criteria to suggest the possible presence of a mutation. If the individual tests positive, this would mean that their relatives should also consider genetic testing.

The testing procedure itself is done with a saliva sample, and occasionally a blood test. If the test comes back positive, we’ll meet with you to discuss your findings and any next steps. The UT Health East Texas HOPE Breast Center genetic educator accepts referrals from healthcare providers and evaluates each referral based on family history to determine if they meet criteria for genetic testing and/or high risk management.

Screening ultrasounds are also offered as a supplemental test in conjunction with screening mammograms for women with dense breasts. Dense breasts have more fibrous and glandular tissue than fatty tissue, which can also make it difficult for a radiologist to spot cancer on a mammogram. Studies have shown that ultrasound and MRI can help find breast cancers that can’t be seen on a mammogram.

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

Learn more about our lung cancer services.

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.

Learn more about our prostate cancer services.

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

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.

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.