Cancer Screening Services

Regular screening for conditions like colorectal, breast, cervical, and prostate cancers saves millions of lives every year and could potentially save many more. At Herald Medical PLLC in San Antonio, Texas, Matthew Taon, MD, RPVI, WCC, CIIP, and his team conduct routine cancer screening and offer genetic cancer screening tests and counseling. To find out how to reduce your risk of cancer and avoid preventable death, call Herald Medical PLLC or book an appointment using the online feature today.

What is cancer screening?

Cancer screening is a way of detecting cancers early before they start causing symptoms. Some cancer screening tests can identify cell changes that happen before cancer develops.

There are two approaches to cancer screening — routine screening tests for specific diseases and undergoing a genetic risk assessment.

What does routine cancer screening involve?

There are several forms of cancer for which there are highly effective screening programs in place. These include:

Colorectal cancer

A routine colonoscopy can locate and remove the polyps that sometimes turn into cancer in your colon and rectum.

Breast cancer

Mammograms are breast X-rays that can pick up changes in the breast tissue before you develop a visible lump.

Cervical cancer

One of the longest-running types of cancer screening, a regular Pap smear takes a sample of cells from your cervix and analyses them for any changes that could lead to the development of cancerous tissue.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is typically slow-growing and highly treatable, although some types can be more aggressive. A regular prostate exam is essential as it can detect any enlargement of your prostate gland.

Some people might benefit from other types of cancer screening. For instance, if you have a higher risk of developing lung or endometrial cancer, your provider might recommend screening. Herald Medical PLLC also performs whole-body MRIs to screen the entire body for signs of cancer and other health problems.

What is genetic cancer screening?

Genetic cancer screening uses information from your DNA to look for genes that could make you more likely to develop certain cancers.

Around 5-10% of cancers result from mutations in the genes that you inherit from your parents. Having these genes doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to get cancer, but it does indicate that you have a higher risk.

Genetic cancer screening isn’t something everyone needs to do, but it can be useful if you know there’s a family history of cancer. The results of your genetic cancer screening can help you make changes in your life that minimize other risk factors for developing cancer, like obesity and poor diet.

The Herald Medical PLLC team offers genetic testing and counseling for patients concerned about being at risk of inherited cancers. Its experts provide personalized plans to help you manage your cancer risk.

To find out more about cancer screening, call Herald Medical PLLC or book an appointment online today.