Health screenings can detect illness, such as cancer, diabetes or heart
disease, before symptoms begin. Screenings can be especially beneficial
for patients with a family history of certain diseases or risk factors,
such as a history of smoking.
Often, screenings find diseases during early stages, when they are most
treatable. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates
that if everyone in the United States received recommended preventive
care, including screenings, over 100,000 lives could be saved each year.
Some of the Screenings We Provide at Altru Health System Include:
Heart & Vascular
Heart and vascular screenings help lower your risk of
cardiovascular disease. Providers check your blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight and blood
sugar to screen for signs of heart disease. High cholesterol, high blood
pressure, unhealthy body weight or high blood sugar could all be signs
of heart disease.
Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association states that, currently, providers use
preventive screening only for
Type 2 diabetes and usually detect
Type 1 diabetes after symptoms develop. For Type 2 diabetes screenings, providers may
take a fasting plasma glucose, which tests your blood sugar level after
you fast for at least eight hours. Your provider may also take an A1c
test, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months.
Cervical Cancer
To prevent cervical cancer, women should ask their healthcare provider for a
Pap test, which can find cells in the cervix that may lead to cancer. Getting
vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) can also help prevent cervical cancer,
as HPV causes this condition.
Breast Cancer
Altru’s
mammography facility offers leading-edge equipment to screen for breast cancer, including digital
mammography, ultrasound and breast MRI. Our screening technology helps
providers find early signs of breast cancer. If necessary, a provider
can use an image-guided breast biopsy to detect and remove benign or cancerous tumors.
Prostate Cancer
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test can help detect early signs of prostate cancer. A simple, quick blood
draw from the patient’s arm can measure levels of PSA in the blood,
which providers can use to detect prostate cancer early.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer mortality rates have been steadily decreasing, according
to the American Cancer Society. This is largely due to the availability
of colorectal health screening tests, which can detect signs of colorectal
cancer in its most treatable stages.
Providers encourage
colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer, as the test can be diagnostic as well
as preventive. However, there are other types of colorectal cancer screenings
for people who meet the criteria. Talk with your provider about the best
option for you.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer screenings are done with a low-dose CT scan for patients at
high risk of developing lung cancer. A low-dose CT scan can help your
provider find abnormal areas in your lungs that may show signs of cancer.
As of now, this test is the only health screening available to detect lung
cancer while it’s at its earliest, most treatable stages, but it’s
not for everyone. If you are concerned about lung cancer,
see our guidelines for who is eligible, or ask your family medicine provider if a lung cancer screening is right for you.
Log in to
MyChart or call
701.780.2587 to schedule an appointment with a family medicine provider.
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