Mammography is an important tool for the early detection of breast cancer. At UVM Health, we offer 3D mammography, which provides a more detailed image of the breast than traditional 2D imaging.

Depending on what your mammogram shows, you may need additional tests. We offer a range of advanced options, including:

• Breast ultrasound: Uses sound waves to produce images that can help clarify the results of a mammogram. It is used to provide greater detail in those with dense breast tissue or to diagnose abnormalities found with a routine mammogram.
• Breast MRI: We are one of the only programs in the region with a dedicated breast MRI scanner, designed specifically for breast imaging. This equipment offers a higher level of precision for patients who have an increased risk of breast cancer, or when other tests are not conclusive.

The current screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend mammograms every other year for women between the ages of 40 and 74. If you are at high risk for cancer, your provider may recommend earlier or more frequent breast cancer screening.

The cervix is the tissue that lies at the lower end of the uterus. Cervical cancer is the only gynecologic cancer that has a specific screening recommendation.

Doctors use a Pap test to detect precancerous cells before they turn into cervical cancer. This test is typically part of a pelvic exam and involves the collection of cells from your cervix. A specialist in diagnosing cancer (pathologist) looks at the tissue under a microscope for cancerous or precancerous cells.

Current USPSTF guidelines recommend regular Pap testing starting at age 21.

Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer, is a type of gastrointestinal cancer that occurs in your colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer screening is recommended by the USPSTF for adults age 45 to 75, and is optional for adults age 76 to 85.

There are two main types of screening tests for colorectal cancer:

• Colonoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure recommended every 10 years for people at average risk of colorectal cancer. Your doctor guides a thin, flexible tube (colonoscope) into your rectum and colon to look for precancerous polyps or cancer. If they do find suspect tissue, it can often be removed during the colonoscopy.
• Stool tests: Noninvasive tests that look for blood or signs of cancer in your stool. You may need to do these tests every one to three years, depending on the type of test.

Talk to your doctor about which type of colorectal cancer screening test is right for you.

If you have a history of smoking cigarettes and are at least 50 years old, you may be eligible for lung screening at our American College of Radiology Certified Lung Cancer Screening Center. Speak with your health care provider to see if you are eligible for this potentially life-saving procedure.

Lung screening is a non-invasive test that uses low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans to detect lung cancers early, when they are more likely to be treatable. It is recommended that eligible individuals undergo lung screening once per year, similar to mammography.

Lung screening is painless and requires no preparation, medication, fasting or intravenous lines. The examination takes less than 15 minutes. Low-dose CT scans are similar to other types of CT scans but use a much lower dose of X-ray radiation, about twice that of a 3D mammogram. 

Low-dose CT scans create detailed images of the lungs that allow our highly experienced, fellowship-trained thoracic radiologists to find small lung cancers, as well as other conditions such as emphysema. 

If an abnormality is detected in your lungs, our team of radiologists works closely with our pulmonologists, oncologists and thoracic surgeons to ensure you receive the best possible care.

According to the current USPSTF guidelines, it is unclear whether the benefits of screening for prostate cancer outweigh the risks. For men 55 to 69, screening is an individual decision you should make after speaking with your doctor.

The types of prostate screening include:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: A PSA test may detect prostate cancer before it spreads to other areas of the body. However, other factors can also raise or lower PSA levels. It’s possible to have a low PSA result and cancer, or a high PSA result and no cancer. Because of this uncertainty, it’s important to make the decision to have PSA testing with your doctor.
• Digital rectal exam (DRE): In this test, your doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for lumps. This test is not as effective as a PSA test, but can find prostate cancers on the back of the prostate gland, which lies next to the rectum. Your doctor may include a DRE as part of your annual physical.

Genetic testing can determine if cancer-causing genes run in your family. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing if you have:

• A family history of cancer
• Cancer at a young age
• Metastatic cancer that has spread to other areas of your body

Our genetic counselors help you and your family members understand your risk of inheriting cancer genes and passing them on to your children. Counselors also work with your doctor to recommend screenings for early detection and other prevention measures to reduce your cancer risk.