Colorectal Cancer
Screening tests are the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer because most cases of the disease begin as noncancerous polyps--grape-like growths that line the colon and rectum. Removing these polyps can prevent colorectal cancer from ever developing. A colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are two screening tests performed at the Endoscopy Department , both allowing a physician to look at the interior lining of the large intestine through a thin, flexible lighted viewing instrument.

The American Cancer Society recommends that, beginning at age 50, men and women at average risk should have a colonoscopy every 10 years or a sigmoidoscopy every five years. People with certain risk factors, such a family history of colorectal cancer, should begin screening earlier and be screened more often.

Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer found in American men. While one in six men will get prostate cancer during his lifetime, only one in 33 will die of the disease. Prostate cancer is very treatable if found in the early stages.

The most effective way to detect prostate cancer in the early stages is through a prostate screening that consists of a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam. Each September, during Prostate Awareness Month, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare partners with Southeastern Urological Center to provide free prostate screenings.  Registration for the next screening will begin in August. For more information, call Tallahassee Memorial at (850) 431-ICAN (4226).

Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death in women, after lung cancer. The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about one in seven; the chance of dying from it is about 1 in 33.

A screening mammogram is an X-ray exam of the breast in a woman who has no symptoms. The goal is to find any lump that may be too small to be felt by a woman or her doctor, which greatly improves the chance of successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older have a screening mammogram every year.

TMH now offers digital mammography services at the Sharon Ewing Walker Breast Health Center . A doctor's prescription is required. For information or to make an appointment, call (850) 431-5433.