Cancer Care: Prevention, Screening and Diagnostic
Services
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 vegina
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.
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