Preventative screenings reduce your risk of mortality by detecting health issues early on. Connecting with your Primary Care Physician to understand what screenings you need is your first step.

Screenings at NMC

Beginning at age 40, people with breast tissue with a normal (average) chance of cancer should begin yearly mammograms. If you and your provider decide that you have a higher than normal chance of cancer, ask your provider about tests that may find cancer earlier.

Starting at age 45, have one of these tests that may find cancer cells or cells that may turn into cancer:

  • Colonoscopy every 10 years: This is the best choice since it can prevent cancer by finding and removing small areas that may turn into cancer
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years and FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test)/FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) years after Sigmoidoscopy

OR

One of the following tests may help prevent cancer growths

  • FOBT or FIT every year
  • Stool DNA test every 3 years

If your provider tells you that you have a higher-than-normal chance of cancer, ask your provider about tests that may find cancer earlier.

Lung Cancer Screening is recommended for those at “high risk” and meet the following criteria:

  • 50-80 years old (55-77 with Medicare)
  • Have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking cigarettes (1 pack per day x 20 years, 2 packs per day x 10 years, etc.)
  • Must be a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years.

If you feel you are at “high risk”: You must speak to your provider to discuss your complete health history and determine your eligibility. He/she will explain the risks vs benefits of lung screening, the importance of adhering to the program and it’s recommendations, as well as the importance of smoking cessation and/or abstinence.

If you meet the requirements, your provider will schedule your appointment for you at a Lung Screening Facility.

A note on insurance

Be sure to check with your insurance plan for screening coverage on CT Low Dose Lung Screenings (CPT Code 71271). Not all plans are the same but most are required to cover this service and in most cases are covered at 100%. It is recommended that you contact your insurance company directly to verify.

Resources for you

NMC offers tobacco cessation classes and support in partnership with 802quits.org. For more assistance with your quit attempt, contact 802quits.org.

Northwestern Medical Department also has a Pulmonology clinic and Pulmonary Rehabilitation programming. If you would like an appointment with our Pulmonologist, Dr. Nsour, call 802-524-8909.

If you would like more information about lung cancer and lung cancer screening, there are a variety of lung cancer screening resources available for patients and healthcare professionals. Visit Lung.org/lungcancer or call the Lung Help Line at 1-800-LUNGUSA.

  • For people with a cervix: age 21-30
  • Pap every year: age 30-65
  • Pap every 3 years OR pap with HPV co-testing every 5 years

Learn more about Vermont’s You First program which covers the cost of breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic follow up.

  • For people with a prostate, beginning at age 50, talk about prostate cancer testing with your provider.
  • For African Americans or for those who have a father or brother with prostate cancer, begin conversations at age 45.
  • Have your provider look at your skin as part of your normal physical.
  • Regularly check your skin for any changes, such as moles that change shape, color or size.
  • If changes are noticed, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider and ask to be seen.
  • Get the two-dose HPV vaccine for children of both sexes at ages 11-12 years old
  • For those ages 13-26 who did not receive the vaccines when they were younger, vaccines can prevent cervical, anal, mouth and other cancers caused by the Human Papillomavirus. Talk with your child’s provider.
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