Hematology, Oncology: Cancer & Integrative Health Care

When should I get screened?
Now. If a patient meets the risk profile, they should talk to their doctor about scheduling a screening. It could save their life.

How do I schedule a screening?
Lung screenings must be ordered by a patient’s physician. To qualify, patients must be between the ages of 50 and 80 years old with a history of smoking for more than 20 years. If a patient is a former smoker, they must have quit less than 15 years ago.

Where do I go?
BHS provides cancer screening for patients that meet the criteria at three locations: Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, the North Adams Campus of BMC, and Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington.

How is the screening conducted?
Lung cancer screening is conducted with a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan. Similar to a normal CT, LDCT requires no need to ingest contrast and has less radiation.

What happens after the screening?
Following the screening, patients will receive a letter with interpretation of the results and follow-up recommendations. The patient’s primary care doctor will also receive a full report.

Breast cancer screen means checking breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms of the disease.

When should I get screened?
All patients need to be informed by their health care provider when screening should begin and the best option for them based on their history.

How do I schedule a screening?
Working with your provider, determine the best screening test for you and work on getting your screening scheduled.

Where do I go?
BHS provides breast cancer screening at their imaging centers.

How is the screening conducted?
Breast exams, nomograms, ultrasound and MRI’s are all different methods of screening for breast cancer. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.

What happens after the screening?
Following the screening, patients will receive a letter with the interpretation of the results and follow-up recommendations.

When should I get screened?
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer.

How do I schedule a screening?
Work with your provider to determine the best screening test for you and how to get it scheduled.

Where do I go?
BHS offers Colonoscopies and Sigmoidoscopy at their endoscopy centers.

How is the screening conducted?

What happens after the screening?
Following the screening, patients will receive a letter with the interpretation of the results and follow-up recommendations.

Regular screenings are essential for early detection and successful management of cervical cancer. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable screening plan based on your age and medical history.

When should I get screened?
Routine cervical cancer screenings typically begin at age 21 and are recommended every three years for individuals aged 21 to 29. For those aged 30 to 65, screenings can be done every five years with a combination of a Pap test and HPV (human papillomavirus) test.

How do I schedule a screening?
To schedule a cervical cancer screening, reach out to your primary care provider or gynecologist. They will guide you on the appropriate timing and assist in setting up the screening appointment.

Where do I go?
Cervical cancer screenings can be conducted at various healthcare facilities, including your primary care provider’s office, women’s health clinics, or gynecology centers.

How is the screening conducted?
The screening process usually involves a Pap test (or Pap smear) and may include an HPV test. During a Pap test, cells from the cervix are collected and examined for any abnormalities. An HPV test checks for the presence of high-risk HPV strains.

What happens after the screening?
After the screening, your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you. If the results are normal, you’ll follow the recommended screening schedule. If abnormalities are detected, further diagnostic tests or treatments may be discussed and planned.

Prostate cancer screening decisions are highly individualized, considering factors like age, overall health, and personal preferences. Engage in open discussions with your healthcare provider to make informed decisions about your prostate health.

When should I get screened?
Prostate cancer screening discussions should start at age 50 for most men. However, for those with higher risk factors, such as a family history, screening discussions may begin at age 45 or even earlier. Individualized decisions should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider.

How do I schedule a screening?
Schedule a prostate cancer screening by consulting with your primary care provider or urologist. They will evaluate your risk factors, discuss the benefits and risks of screening, and determine the appropriate timing for your situation.

Where do I go?
Prostate cancer screenings are typically conducted at urology clinics, primary care offices, or specialized healthcare facilities. Your healthcare provider will guide you to a suitable location.

How is the screening conducted?
The common methods for prostate cancer screening include a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. During a DRE, the doctor checks for abnormalities in the prostate by feeling it through the rectum. The PSA test measures a protein produced by the prostate gland.

What happens after the screening?
After the screening, your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you. Normal results may mean routine follow-ups, while abnormal results may lead to further diagnostic tests or consultations to determine the appropriate next steps, which may include additional tests or a biopsy.