Screening Recommendations
Cancer screenings check your body for cancer before you have symptoms. Cancer screenings may find breast, cervical, and colorectal (colon) cancers early. Cancer treatment works best when cancers are caught early.
Cervical cancer screening guidelines
The Utah Cancer Control Program recommends if you are 21 or older, talk to your doctor about getting screened for cervical cancer. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best screening for you. Getting regular Pap tests is the best way to find cervical cancer early, or to find cells that might turn into cancer, before they do. The UCCP offers free cervical cancer screenings to women who qualify.
Pap tests can find abnormal cells before they ever turn into cancer. Pap tests also can find cervical cancer early. Cervical cancer caught early is often curable.
Other exams, screenings, and vaccinations
Cancer prevention immunizations
There are two vaccines that can protect you from getting cancer.
The HPV vaccine protects you from 6 types of cancer (cervical, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharyngeal).
The Hepatitis B vaccine protects you from getting liver cancer.
Breast cancer screening guidelines
The Utah Cancer Control Program recommends if you are 40 or older, talk to your doctor about getting screened for breast cancer.
Your doctor will be able to recommend the best screening option for you.
HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteen boys and girls at age 11 or 12 so they are protected before ever being exposed to the virus.
Cholesterol screening
Having high cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke. There are no signs or symptoms of high cholesterol. A blood test is the only way to find out if you are at risk.
Colorectal (colon) cancer screening
Colorectal (Colon) cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon, which can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Screening can find cancer early, when treatment works best.
Diabetes screening
People aged 45 or older should be tested for diabetes, especially if you are overweight.
If you are younger than 45, but have risk factors, you should talk to your doctor about getting tested.
High blood pressure screening
Having high blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke.
There are no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure. Measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know if it is high.
Oral health screening
Oral HPV can cause cancer in the mouth or back of the throat. Finding oropharyngeal cancers early is critical to increasing the survival rate for these cancers.
Prostate cancer screening
Prostate cancers usually grow slowly. Most men who get prostate cancer are 65 years or older and do not die from the disease. Finding or treating prostate cancer before you have symptoms may not improve your health or help you live longer.
All men over 40 should visit their doctor for a routine health visit which may include a discussion on prostate health.
Learn more and talk to your doctor about the right decision for you.
Immunization schedules
Vaccines are important to protect you from diseases. Vaccines can prevent certain deadly diseases in infants, children, adults, and travelers of all ages.