woman having a mammogram.

Cancer Prevention and Screenings

Regular screenings help detect cancer. Ask the Navigation Center about recommended screening guidelines.

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Recommended Cancer Screenings

A cancer screening is a test that looks for cancer before symptoms may appear. Many cancers can be treated – or cured – if detected in a timely manner with regular screenings. Not every cancer has a screening. See your doctor if you aren’t feeling well and fear that it may be something serious.

Timing of recommended cancer screenings is important. If you have put off a screening like a mammogram or colonoscopy, now’s the time to schedule.

How to Schedule Your Screening

Contact an Avera location nearby to book your appointment. Your primary care provider can screen you for certain types of cancer – including breast, colorectal, cervical, prostate and lung. Please follow Avera recommendations based on your gender and age. Some screenings are for people with risk factors, such as lung cancer if you’ve smoked.

Please note: Screening guidelines provide recommendations for average-risk patients. Factors such as family history of cancer or inherited genetic diseases can place you into higher-risk categories.

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Mammogram

  • Screens for breast cancer
  • Women, ages 40-85: Mammogram every year (unless your doctor determines otherwise)
  • Mobile 3-D mammography services available at outreach sites
  • Breast cancer risk assessment included at the time of screening
Schedule a Mammogram

Colonoscopy

  • Screens for colorectal (colon) cancer
  • Everyone, ages 45-75: colonoscopy every 10 years
  • Everyone, age 75+: See doctor to discuss risks and benefits of continued testing.
Schedule a Colonoscopy

Lung Cancer Screening

  • Screens for abnormal areas in lungs that might be cancer
  • Everyone, ages 50-77: If you have a smoking history of 20 packs in a year, or have quit in last 15 years

Pap and HPV Tests

  • Screens for cervical cancer
  • Women, ages 21-30: Pap smear every 3 years
  • Women, ages 30-65: Pap smear plus HPV test every 5 years
  • Women, ages 65+: Stop at age 65 if you had 10 years of normal Pap smears1

Prostate Cancer Screening

  • Screens for prostate cancer
  • Men, ages 55-70: See a primary care doctor to determine a screening schedule best for you.

Help Reduce Your Cancer Risk

Cancer prevention can come from a wide range of lifestyle changes. There are many opportunities for you to take control and decrease the likelihood. Cut your chances of facing some cancers through risk factor awareness, prevention and genetic testing.

Prevention Tips

Making healthy choices can go a long way toward improving your well-being while lowering your risk for diseases. Even small changes have an impact.

  • Fit physical activity and movement into your life every day.
  • Have a nutrient-rich diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  • Don’t start or quit smoking, vaping or using smokeless tobacco.
  • Limit your intake of or avoid alcohol completely. Avoid drug use, too.
  • Wear sunscreen and steer clear of overexposure to long periods of direct sunlight.
  • Keep away from tanning beds or tanning booths.
  • Be responsible and careful if you’re sexually active.
  • Stay up-to-date on vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine.

Want more tips on healthy living? Check out our Balance blog and sign up for our biweekly emails.

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Risk Factors

Besides your family medical history, the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis can rise due to other outside forces. Some of these known risk factors include:

  • Smoking and tobacco use
  • Sunlight overexposure
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Radiation
  • Poor diet
  • Obesity

Manage My Risk

How to Reduce My Cancer Risk

Nutrition and movement can play a big role in warding off cancer. Get expert advice sent to your inbox with tips on specific foods, lifestyle decisions, screenings and more to aid cancer prevention.

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Family History and Genetics

Genetic Testing and Counseling

With amazing advances in technology, cancer screening and treatment can now be personalized to the smallest, most precise level possible – the genetic information encoded in DNA. Genomic sequencing also allows doctors to tailor treatment specifically for each person. If you have questions about genetic testing and genomic medicine, reach out to us.

605-504-4363 Find Out More

High-Risk Breast Cancer

Are you at a higher risk for breast cancer? The Avera High-Risk Breast Cancer Prevention Clinic in Sioux Falls, SD, can help. Our team of experts offer advanced screening and preventive services to identify the best course of action. We also provide advice on how to maintain your health and protect yourself.

605-322-3950 Find Out More

1 Certain medical conditions may require you to be screened on a different screening schedule. Consult with your provider to discuss.

Expert Advice on Cancer Topics

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Screening Support, Resources & Education

Your health history is unique to you. Contact the Navigation Center to discuss questions in real time on recommended cancer screenings.

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