Early Detection Saves Lives

The American Cancer Society® (ACS) reports that early detection through screening reduces death rates in cancers of the breast, colon and rectum, lungs, prostate, uterus and cervix. That’s why the GW Cancer Center offers advanced screening procedures for a wide range of cancers.

Don’t wait for cancer to find you. Detect it early so you can fight — and maybe even beat — this deadly disease.

How to Get Screened

Certain screenings may require a doctor’s order. Talk with your primary care provider (PCP) to determine which screenings are right for you. If you need to find a PCP, call 888-4GW-DOCS (888-449-3627).

Call 888-4GW-DOCS to schedule your screening today.

Cancer Screening Services at GW Hospital

Breast Cancer

Starting between the ages of 40 and 50, women should be screened annually for breast cancer. We offer 2-D and 3-D Mammography, Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) and molecular breast imaging.

Cervical Cancer/HPV

Women aged 25 to 65 should have a primary human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years. Or, you can combine an HPV test with a Papanicolaou (Pap) tested every five years. Additionally, cervical cancer can be screened with a Pap test alone every three years.

Colorectal Cancer

Men and women at average risk should begin screening at age 45. Our procedures include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and radiologic testing. Medicare Part B covers colorectal cancer screenings for those over age 50. Talk to your PCP about easy colorectal cancer screening tests you can complete at home.

Head and Neck Cancer

Patients experiencing oral pain, oral bleeding, neck mass and difficulty swallowing may consider getting screened for head and neck cancer by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

Lung Cancer

This low-dose CT scan takes just about 60 seconds to complete and is covered for those who qualify as high risk by most insurance plans, Medicare and DMV Medicaid. Those aged 50 to 77 years who smoke or did smoke should consider this screening.

Prostate Cancer

The ACS recommends screening at age 50 for men at average risk, age 45 for men at high risk and age 40 for men at even higher risk. Available screenings include digital rectal exams and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests.

Skin Cancer

This is the most common form of cancer. Regular screenings can help detect melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — early, when it's most treatable.