Definitions

Screening and early detection for different cancers often involve specific tests or procedures. Below are descriptions of some of the tests that may be recommended.

MAMMOGRAPHY

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. It can find breast cancers that are too small to feel. Screening mammography is an X-ray examination done when a woman is asymptomatic (has no complaints). This usually involves two views, or pictures, of each breast. For some women, additional pictures may be needed to include as much breast tissue as possible. A diagnostic mammogram is done when there are complaints (for example, nipple discharge, a lump, etc) or when there is a finding on a screening mammogram.

During the mammogram the breast is compressed to spread the tissue apart and to allow a lower dose of X-ray to be used. Some women find this temporarily uncomfortable, but it is necessary to produce a good mammogram. The compression is only in place a few seconds for each picture. The entire screening takes about 20 minutes.

Mammography can detect 85-90% of breast cancers. It is important that women practice monthly breast self-examination, and have a physical examination by a trained practitioner in addition to their mammogram. If a women feels a lump that does not show up on a mammogram, then other breast imaging methods will need to be used to determine what the lump is.

PAP SMEAR AND PELVIC EXAMINATIION

A Pap test is done to detect cancer of the cervix.  A metal or plastic instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina while the woman lies on an examination table. After checking to see that the vagina looks healthy, a small sample of cells and mucus is lightly scraped from the outer part of the cervix. The samples are placed on a slide that is sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.

After the Pap test, the health practitioner does a pelvic exam to check the uterus, vagina, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, to find any abnormalities in shape or size.

The Pap test and gynecologic examination take a few minutes. Women may feel some pressure, but the procedure is seldom painful.

COLONOSCOPY

A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows the physician to look inside the entire large intestine, from the rectum all the way through the colon to the beginning of the small intestine. The procedure is used to diagnose the causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits, and to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum.

Detailed instructions are provided on how to prepare for the test because the colon must be completely empty for the procedure to be accurate and complete.. A long, flexible, lighted tube with a tiny camera, called a colonoscope, is inserted into the rectum and guided throughout the length of the colon. The scope enables the physician to visualize the lining of the colon and rectum, and to remove any growths (polyps) or inflamed tissue for further examination under a microscope.  A mild sedative and pain medication are given to keep the patient from feeling discomfort during the exam. Colonoscopy takes between 30 to 60 minutes.

SIGMOIDOSCOPY

A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that allows the physician to look inside the large intestine, from the rectum through the last part of the colon, called the sigmoid colon. This procedure is used to find the cause of diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation, and to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum.

Detailed instructions are provided on how to prepare for the test because the colon and rectum must be completely empty for the procedure to be accurate and complete.  A short, flexible, lighted tube with a tiny camera, called a sigmoidoscope, is inserted into the rectum and guided through the colon. The scope enables the physician to visualize the lining of the colon and rectum, and to remove any growths (polyps) or inflamed tissue for further examination under a microscope. Sigmoidoscopy takes between 10 to 20 minutes.