Cancer Prevention & Detection

Keep cancer in check by knowing your risk factors, getting regular screenings, and watching for common warning signs.

You can also reduce your risk by avoiding all tobacco use, protecting yourself from the sun, being physically active, eating a healthy diet and limiting your consumption of alcoholic beverages. It's also important to have a primary care provider, who is a partner in your health care.

What is cancer screening?

Cancer screening is testing for cancer before you have any signs or symptoms. Screenings help us find many types of cancer at the earliest possible stage.

Why early detection matters

Finding cancer early may save your life. Early detection, or finding cancer before it spreads, gives you the best chance of successful treatment.

The American Cancer Society recommends a cancer-related checkup every three years, starting at age 20, for people without signs or symptoms of cancer. Starting at age 40, you should have a checkup every year. These guidelines are based on age and are for people at average risk. They may differ if you are at high risk, so talk to your doctor about which screenings are right for you. 

Ready to schedule a screening? Talk to your doctor or call us.

Cal 417-269-5257

Recommended Screenings by Age

Ages 20 to 39

• Breast cancer screening (women)
• Cervical cancer screening (women)
• Oral cancer screening
• Skin cancer screening
• Testicular cancer screening (men)

Ages 40 to 49

• Breast cancer screening including mammogram (women)
• Cervical cancer screening (women)
• Colonoscopy (starting at age 45)
• Oral cancer screening
• Skin cancer screening
• Testicular cancer screening (men)

Age 50 and Beyond

• Breast cancer screening including mammogram (women)
• Cervical cancer screening (women)
• Colorectal cancer screening/colonoscopy
• Oral cancer screening
• Prostate cancer screening (men)
• Skin cancer screening
• Testicular cancer screening (men)

Types of Cancer Screenings

Breast Cancer Screenings

A clinical breast exam is recommended every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, and every year for women 40 and older. Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40. Women are also encouraged to do monthly self-exams and report any changes to their health care provider. Visit our Breast Care page to learn more about breast cancer risks, screening guidelines, or to request a mammogram.

At CoxHealth, we follow the American College of Radiology mammography guidelines, which recommend a baseline mammogram by age 40. Finding breast cancer early may save your life, and it often means you need less aggressive treatment. Mammograms are offered at the Breast Care Clinic and Cox North Hospital in Springfield, Cox Medical Center Branson, Cox Monett Hospital, and Cox Barton County Hospital. Call today to schedule your appointment. No referral is required. If you're worried about the cost of a mammogram, help is available for qualified applicants through these programs:

CoxHealth Foundation Patient Assistance

Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Cervical Cancer Screenings

Women should begin cervical cancer screenings at age 21. Pap tests are recommended every three years until age 30. Women ages 30 to 65 who have had regular screenings with normal Pap results should have a Pap test combined with an HPV test every five years, or a Pap test alone every three years. Women over 65 who have had regular screenings in the previous 10 years with no issues should stop cervical cancer screening.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Starting at age 45, both men and women should have one of these screenings: 

• Fecal occult blood test: every year
• Sigmoidoscopy: every five years
• Colonoscopy: every 10 years

Lung Cancer Screenings

Long-time smokers or former smokers between ages 50 and 77 may be candidates for CoxHealth's CT lung cancer screening program. Visit our page to find out more about the program and eligibility requirements or call 417-730-5864.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Regular dental checkups are recommended to check the health of your gums, tongue, and mouth.

Prostate Cancer Screenings

An annual rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test can be used to screen all men beginning at age 50. Men are encouraged to talk with their health care provider about the risks and benefits of screening so they can make an informed decision.

Skin Cancer Screenings

Skin cancer can often be found early by noticing changes in moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin. Men and women should do self-exams monthly and report any concerns to a doctor. A doctor exam is recommended every three years until age 40 and every year for those 40 and older.

Testicular Cancer Screenings

Most experts agree that a genital exam should be part of a routine general physical exam. Men are also encouraged to conduct monthly self-exams to detect any lumps.