Screening
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is estimated that one in three adults has skipped the recommended routine cancer screenings. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 22 million cancer screenings were missed or skipped between March and June of last year, and nearly 100,000 cases of cancer have gone undiagnosed—and untreated—as a result.
Screenings are crucial for early detection, when many cancers—including breast and colon cancer—are most treatable and curable. Delays in screening for breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and other cancers delay diagnosis and treatment, which means the disease could advance to a later stage and become harder to treat.
Return to Cancer Screening
- If you’ve been avoiding or are overdue for a cancer screening, talk to your doctor or health care provider to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. This is especially important if you are at high risk for any type of cancer, including breast cancer.
- To find a primary care provider at UM St. Joseph who can refer you for breast, colon or other cancer screenings, please call 410-337-1337.
Breast Cancer Screening
- Mammograms are low-dose x-rays that can help detect breast cancer.
- A screening mammogram looks for signs of breast cancer—for breast lumps or changes in breast tissue--in women who don’t have any breast symptoms or problems.
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women at average risk for breast cancer begin screening as early as age 40, making it a priority to speak with their health care provider about creating an individualized breast screening schedule that’s best for them, based on personal risk, family history and more.
- Meet our breast health experts.
For assistance scheduling a screening mammogram, please contact our breast center at 410-427-5510.
Colon Cancer Screening
- A colonoscopy is an exam that helps identify changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
- The American Cancer Society recommends that adults at average risk for colon cancer begin regular colon screenings at age 45.
To learn more, please call the Baltimore County Department of Health at 410-887-3456.