Mammogram (screening and diagnostic) is the x-ray image produced by mammography, a procedure used to screen for breast cancer or to help diagnose a known or suspected breast abnormality. Mammography produces images called mammograms that doctors use to evaluate breast tissue. Screening is important for the early detection of any cancer in the breast and may increase patient survival if cancer is diagnosed. All women over age 40 as well as some younger individuals if indicated by family, personal history, or other reason are recommended to have annual screening evaluation. Both breasts should be imaged by mammography. Diagnostic mammography by be performed for one or both breasts. It involves special views of the breast to help further evaluate the findings initially identified on screening mammograms or to further evaluate palpable breast lesions (lumps). Preparation for both screening and diagnostic mammography is similar. Compression of the breasts is important for accurate interpretation of the images. The exam takes only a few minutes. For screening exams, patients receive a letter with results. For diagnostic exams, patients will wait for a specialist to study the images. Any necessary additional imaging tests will be performed that day and a verbal or written report will be given. 

UAB’s Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic provides comprehensive risk assessment and prevention for breast cancer, arming women with knowledge to make informed decisions about their cancer risk and care. Launched more than a decade ago – actually early 2003 or 2004, the clinic merges multiple medical specialties with clinical expertise and research dedicated to the prevention and early detection of breast cancer. In addition to offering sophisticated genetic counseling and assessment, the clinic provides access to preventive interventions and clinical trials. The program is staffed by a distinguished group of medical professionals, including surgical oncologists, genetic counselors, nurse practitioners, and research staff, who work together to deliver the highest level of personalized care.

The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic offers the following services:

• Comprehensive clinical evaluations for breast and ovarian cancer risk
• Comprehensive genetic counseling
• Genetic testing including multi-gene panel testing
• Screening and prevention programs
• Screening and prevention research trials

When you choose the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic your initial one-hour visit (completed in person or by telemedicine) will consist of:

• An assessment by a physician or nurse practitioner and certified genetic counselor
• Detailed family history and assessment of genetic cancer syndrome
• Collection of serum for germ line genetic testing (when appropriate)
• Development of an appropriate screening plan with mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other modalities

Avoiding cancer risk factors, like smoking, being overweight or not getting enough exercise, may help prevent certain cancers. The best way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened regularly starting at age 45. Screening usually involves a test or procedure that helps to identify abnormal growths (polyps) in the colon or rectum. A colonoscopy or stool test are two common tests used to screen for colorectal cancer. Talk with your doctor about which type of screening is best for you.

UAB’s Gynecologic Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic provides comprehensive risk assessment and prevention for ovarian, and uterine cancer, arming women with knowledge to make informed decisions about their cancer risk and care. Launched more than a decade ago, the clinic merges multiple medical specialties with clinical expertise and research to create one of only a few programs of its kind in the nation dedicated to women’s cancers. In addition to offering sophisticated genetic counseling and assessment, the clinic provides access to preventive interventions and clinical trials. The program is staffed by a distinguished group of medical professionals, including gynecologic oncologists, genetic counselors, nurse practitioners, and research staff, who work together to deliver the highest level of personalized care.

The Gynecologic Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic offers the following services:

• Comprehensive clinical evaluations for breast and ovarian cancer risk
• Comprehensive genetic counseling
• Genetic testing including multi-gene panel testing
• Screening and prevention programs
• Screening and prevention research trials

When you choose the Gynecologic Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic your initial one-hour visit (completed in person or soon by telemedicine) will consist of:

• An assessment by a physician or nurse practitioner and certified genetic counselor
• Detailed family history and assessment of genetic cancer syndrome
• Collection of serum for germ line genetic testing (when appropriate)
• Development of an appropriate screening plan with pelvic ultrasound or serum-based tests

Hereditary breast ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA1/BRCA2) is an inherited tendency to develop breast, ovarian and other cancers. Most cancers are not inherited, but with hereditary breast ovarian cancer (HBOC), the cancer risk is passed from generation to generation in a family. Two genes are associated with developing this condition: BRCA1 and BRCA2  (stands for BReast CAncer). Mutations in these genes give a woman an increased lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Men who have this gene mutation have an increased risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Doctors often point to hereditary breast ovarian cancer when there are multiple cases of breast and/or ovarian cancer among blood relatives.

Low-dose CT (computed tomography) screening for lung cancer is a way of finding tumors before they become too advanced and become difficult to treat successfully. This screening method has been shown to reduce the risk of death from lung cancer in high-risk patients by 20% compared to chest X-ray alone. However, many lung nodules (growths) detected from the low-dose CT screening are not cancerous, so follow-up CT scans or other tests may be needed to determine the presence of cancer.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT scans in adults age 55-80 who have a 30-pack-per-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years. Medicare approved screening for patients age 55-77, and this is the age group that UAB Medicine provides screening for. Screening is stopped once a person has not smoked for 15 years, develops a health problem that seriously limits life expectancy, or does not wish to have lung surgery. The CT scan itself lasts only about 20 seconds. Patients being screened are asked to hold their breath for a few seconds as the scan is performed. All patients must be referred for the test by a physician after a shared decision-making appointment. It is important that a responsible health care provider manages follow-up care for patients with a positive test.

All men are at risk for prostate cancer so it’s very important to discuss your risks with your doctor. Some factors increase the chance of developing prostate cancer, including age and family history. African American men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men. The two most common methods for screening for prostate cancer are a rectal examination, which takes less than a minute in your doctor’s office, and a blood test that measures the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. Talking with your doctor is an important first step.

There is no sure way to prevent skin cancer, but you can reduce your risk by staying in the shade or using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing in the sun (including a hat and sunglasses), and avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps. If you have moles on your body, especially if they have an odd shape or have changed in appearance, they should be watched closely by a dermatologist (skin doctor). They will screen for skin cancer by doing a full-body skin exam to check for moles that look suspicious and for other possible signs of skin cancer. They may use special handheld equipment to look more closely. Discuss any moles or discoloration on your skin with your doctor.