Screening & Diagnosis

A mammogram, colonoscopy or other screening increases the chances our Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute team can detect certain cancers early, often before you have symptoms. This gives you the best chance of treating the disease before it spreads.

Your provider may suggest:

• Screening tests such as a mammogram that looks for breast cancer or a colonoscopy to find colon cancer
• Diagnostic tests, medical exams and self-exams

What Screening Do You Need?

Your provider can help you decide the most appropriate screening(s) based on:

• Your age, health and gender
• Risk factors like family history, notably a close relative with cancer, and habits such as smoking

If you’re considering a screening test, talk with your provider about the disease, what the test is like, the risks and benefits and the potential cost. You may also want to ask what further testing and follow-up will be needed if a screening test reveals a possible problem.

Ask your provider about the limits of the test and treatment.

For example, ask:

• How likely is it that the test could miss a disease (false negative), show something that looks like a disease but isn’t (false positive) or find a disease that will never cause a problem?
• Will I need someone to accompany me?
• Will I need transportation?

Available Screenings:

Routine screenings are often the best way to spot cancer early enough so it can be successfully treated. The Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute team is here to partner with you as you focus on your health, offering advanced screening for all forms of cancer in locations across the state. While screenings are typically for people with no symptoms, we can accommodate appointments quickly if needed.

Breast cancer

• Monthly self-exams: All women should perform regular breast self-exams and promptly report any changes to their healthcare provider.
• Annual clinical breast exams: Women aged 20 and older should receive a clinical breast exam every year.
• Annual mammograms: Women aged 40 and older should have a screening mammogram annually.
• High-risk screening: Women with increased risk factors (genetic mutations, family history, or prior chest radiation) may benefit from earlier screening (before age 40) and additional tests like MRI. Discuss your risk with your provider about personalized recommendations. 
• Contact: Call 855.90.MAMMO (855.906.2666) to schedule your mammogram.
• Learn more about mammography and mobile mammography.

Cervical cancer

• Pap testing: Women aged 21-29 should have a pap test alone every 3 years.
• HPV testing: Women aged 25-29 at average risk can screen with HPV testing only every 5 years.
• Different screening options: Women aged 30 to 65 can choose one of the following:
  • Pap test every 3 years.
  • Combined Pap/HPV test every 5 years.
  • High-risk HPV testing every 5 years.
• When can I stop screening? Screening may be discontinued for women over the age of 65 if prior testing has been adequate and negative, as determined by your provider.
• Contact: Contact your primary care provider or gynecologist to make sure you are up to date on your cervical cancer screenings.

Colorectal cancer

• Annual colonoscopies: Individuals aged 45 and older should start screening with colonoscopy or stool tests. 
• High-risk screening: Individuals with increased risk factors (family history of colorectal cancer, colon polyps, or genetic mutations) may start screening before age 45 or more frequently. Consult with your provider to determine if you need more aggressive screening.
• Contact: Call 860.901.2511 to schedule your colonoscopy or request an appointment online.

Head and neck cancers

• Primary care checkups: All adults, especially those considered high-risk for squamous cell cancer due to tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and multiple sex partners, should receive annual physical examinations from their primary care provider or dentist.
• Contact: Contact your primary care provider or dentist to make sure you are up to date on your annual head and neck cancer screening.

Lung cancer

• Smoking and annual CT scans: Individuals aged 50–80 years (for Medicare patients aged 50-77) with a 20 or greater pack-year history of cigarette smoking are at increased risk and should be screened with an annual low-dose CT scan. 
• High-Risk Screening: If you smoke or have previously smoked, you may qualify for the Lung Nodule Screening Program.
• Contact: Call 855.255.6181 to schedule a lung cancer screening if you meet the requirements.
• Learn more about our lung cancer screening program.

Prostate cancer

• Blood tests and physical exams: Men aged 45 and older who are at average risk for prostate cancer should screen with a PSA blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) every 2 to 4 years or more frequently depending on your results.
• High-Risk Screening: Men aged 40 may start screening earlier if there are risk factors such as a family history of prostate cancer, Black/African American populations, or certain genetic mutations. 
• Contact: Consult with your primary care provider to discuss screening. 

Skin cancer

• Dermatology skin exams: All adults, especially those with pale skin, excessive or unprotected sun exposure, a family history of skin cancer, or unusual moles, should see a dermatologist for skin exams. 
• Contact: Contact your provider to make sure you are up to date on your annual skin exams.
• Learn more about skin cancer screening.