Screening Tests
Common cancer screening tests include:
- Breast cancer screenings – Include detailed 3D mammography and abbreviated breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a 10 to 15-minute test that may especially benefit women with dense breast tissue. Call our Cancer Resource Center at 515-956-6440 for information about free or low-cost breast cancer screenings if you lack health insurance coverage for this important screening.
- Colonoscopy – Looks inside your large intestine for polyps (lumps), which could turn into cancer
- Lung cancer screening – Uses computed tomography (CT) at low doses of radiation for certain current and former smokers
- Pap test – Looks for changes in the cervix that could indicate cancer; may be done at the same time as an HPV test, which checks for a sexually transmitted infection that increases cancer risk
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test – Screens for prostate cancer
- Skin cancer screening – Examines the skin for moles of unusual size, texture, or color
- Genetic testing – Learning your inherited risk of developing certain types of cancer can help you make health and lifestyle decisions that are right for you.
Diagnostic Cancer Tests
If you have symptoms or abnormal screening results, your provider may order diagnostic procedures to identify the cause. Rely on our experienced teams for:
- Biopsy – Collects a small tissue sample to analyze under a microscope
- Imaging tests – Include CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and PET scans to detect or evaluate tumors
- Lab tests – Examine blood, urine, or other bodily fluids to check for abnormal markers
These tests also help stage cancer, determining where it began and whether it has spread. Cancer staging is a key part of planning your treatment.
Fast, Reliable Results
Expect fast, accurate test results from Mary Greeley and McFarland Clinic. Your primary care provider will contact you with your results and discuss next steps. If you're enrolled in MyChart, you can view your results online in our secure patient portal.
Comprehensive Cancer Treatment
If your diagnosis confirms cancer, turn to the William R. Bliss Cancer Center for comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized cancer care. You’ll have access to a full team of experts and advanced treatment options tailored to your unique needs.
We Are Ready for You
A diagnosis of colon cancer was just the beginning of Craig’s cancer journey. Find out how this father, husband and local dentist survived cancer with the help of the cancer team at Mary Greeley.
