Cancer Screenings

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast that can find cancer before it can be felt by you or your doctor. A screening mammogram takes about 15 minutes. Every mammogram that requires follow-up is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of experts who together plan a course of action.

“Don't let COVID-19 get between you and early detection of breast cancer. I see the difference that a mammogram makes. Finding the disease early is the key to cure. Take care of yourself. Don't allow COVID-19 to get between you and the care you need. We are here and ready to work with you."

Pap smears reduce life-threatening cervical cancer by as much as 90%. A Pap smear, which may be done as part of a pelvic exam, involves the microscopic examination of cells collected from the cervix. Routine annual pelvic exams and Pap smears can help your doctor identify cervical problems early on.

“I’m concerned that too many women are putting off Pap smears and other important screenings because of COVID-19. Please take care of yourself and don’t put off your care. Cancer isn’t waiting for COVID-19, and neither should you.”

A colonoscopy is the primary and most effective screening technique used to screen patients for colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is a safe, private and usually painless procedure that takes about 30 min to complete. It may be done in a hospital outpatient department, clinic or in a doctor’s office.

“Colonoscopy screenings are critical for early detection of colon cancer. During the COVID-19 pandemic many people have been delaying lifesaving colonoscopy screenings, putting themselves at risk. Please don't put off your care. Our entire multi-disciplinary team is ready to work with you.”

Lung screening has the potential to detect lung cancer at earlier stages when it has the best chance of being cured. At Mass General Imaging, we use low-dose CT scans (LDCT) to screen for lung cancer among high-risk people who meet the criteria.

“Lung cancer isn't waiting for COVID-19, and neither should you or someone you love. Lung screening with low-dose CT scans can detect cancer in its very early stages where there is so much we can do. We are here and ready to work with your doctor to schedule your lung cancer screening today.”