Screening Services

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than two million people in America are diagnosed with cancer every year. Fortunately, as a result of the amazing advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, the chances of recovery from cancer have increased over the last 20 years.

The cancer program at Holy Cross Hospital takes full advantage of these medical advances. The expertise of our professional staff, the technical sophistication of our diagnostic services and treatment therapies we offer, make our program one of the best in the area.

Comprehensive Screening
The earlier cancer is detected and treated, the better the chances are for recovery and remission. Regular screening evaluations, on a timetable recommended by your doctor, can detect many kinds of cancers, including breast, prostate, colon and other kinds of cancers that can develop with advancing age.
Holy Cross offers a comprehensive cancer-screening program that includes:

• Screening Mammography -an X-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs of breast cancer.
• Digital Rectal Exam -a physician examines the prostate through the rectum to find hard or lumpy areas.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing -a blood test used to detect a substance made by the prostate, called prostate specific antigen (PSA).
• Colonoscopy -a means of visually examining the full lining of the colon and rectum, using a long, flexible, tubular instrument used to diagnose colon and rectum problems and to perform biopsies and remove colon polyps.
• Pap Smear -a gynecologist performs a vaginal smear (taken from the vagina and cervix), which is then sent to the lab to test for cancer cells.

• Lung Screening -a CT scan of the lungs is used to identify nodules that may indicate early stage lung cancer.

For more information on these and other screening programs, call 301-754-8800.