Cancer Screening Specialist

What is a cancer screening?

A cancer screening is a test that checks for the presence of cancer. Screenings are used as a preventive healthcare measure and play a pivotal role in early detection.

Some cancer screenings include:

Clinical breast exams

A physical examination usually done by the doctors at a well woman visit. During the exam, the healthcare provider checks for lumps or changes in and around the breast tissue.

Mammograms

A mammogram is an imaging test for breast cancer. How often you need a mammogram depends on your age and risk factors for breast cancer.

Pap smear

This test detects changes in the cells of your cervix that could lead to cervical cancer.

Uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancer screenings

Screening for these three types of cancers can be difficult if the patient does not have any symptoms. If you have a family history of these types of cancers or start to develop symptoms like unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding, your doctor may recommend doing an ultrasound or biopsy.

Can I inherit a higher risk of cancer?

If a particular cancer runs in your family, it may put you at a higher risk of developing that type of cancer yourself. It’s important to share this information with your doctor as part of your medical history. Some patients choose to have genetic testing done to measure whether they have specific tendencies towards certain diseases or cancers.

The professional team at Hawaii Women's Healthcare can guide you through this process as well as refer you to a genetic counselor that can help you better understand your genetic testing results and how to use that information to make informed health decisions as it pertains to cancer screenings and risks.

Are there different types of colon cancer screenings?

Yes. There used to be a time when the only option to screen for colon cancer was a procedure called a colonoscopy where the doctor looks inside your rectum and colon using a scope. This procedure requires some preparation from the patient as well as anesthesia.

The doctors at Hawaii Women's Healthcare perform in-office colon cancer screenings and can provide referrals for a colonoscopy. Your doctor may recommend a particular method of screening based on whether you had abnormal readings from previous screenings or if you have a family history or high risk of colon cancer.

If you have questions or concerns about cancer, contact Hawaii Women's Healthcare, conveniently located in Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu. Book your appointment online or call today.