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Cancer Screenings & Prevention

Cancer screenings save lives. Missed cancer screenings don’t.

Routine cancer screenings catch early signs of cancer when treatment is more likely to be effective. Screenings are easy and safe – and most show that no cancer exists. So, make cancer one less thing to worry about. Get started by scheduling an appointment with your primary care doctor and encouraging your loved ones to do the same.  


Breast Cancer Screening

A smiling woman in her 40s outdoors in autumn, with sunlight behind her.

How often do I need a mammogram?

Atlantic Health System recommends yearly mammograms for
women aged 40 and older. However, the specific frequency may vary based on your risk factors and the guidance of your health care team.

Is it covered by insurance?

Annual breast cancer screenings are usually covered by insurance, especially for women within the recommended age range. 

Scheduling your appointment

A prescription is not required for women aged 40 and above to schedule a routine screening mammogram. However, having a prescription can help ensure your results are shared with your doctor. 

Colorectal Cancer Screening

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How often do I need a colorectal cancer screening?

If you’re 45 or older, talk to your physician about the right
colorectal screening for you. The frequency of colorectal screenings varies but often includes:

Colonoscopy: Typically recommended every 10 years for average-risk individuals, starting at age 45. However, your health care provider may recommend more frequent screenings based on your risk factors.

Other Tests: Alternative tests like fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) may be recommended more frequently, usually every 1-3 years, depending on the type of test and your risk factors.

Are screenings covered by insurance?

Most insurances cover colon cancer screenings for eligible individuals.

Your next step

To see if you qualify for a screening, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor.

Lung Cancer Screening

Sociable group of seniors smile and take selfie at a retirement home.

Who should get a lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screenings are recommended for adults aged 55 to 80 with a significant history of smoking (defined as a 20-pack-year smoking history) and those who have quit smoking within the last 15 years.

How often do I need a screening?

A lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is performed annually for eligible individuals.

Is it covered by insurance?

Many insurances cover lung cancer screenings for eligible individuals.

Your next step

To see if you qualify for a screening, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Happy senior friends meeting to play paddle ball.

When do I start screening for prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer screenings are recommended for men aged 50 and older. However, men with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors may need to start screenings earlier.

How often do I need a screening?

The frequency of prostate cancer screenings can vary based on individual risk factors and preferences. Common screening methods include:

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Typically performed annually, starting at age 50 for average-risk individuals. 

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): Your health care provider may conduct a DRE as part of your regular check-up, but the frequency depends on individual circumstances.

Is it covered by insurance?

Most insurances cover prostate cancer screenings, especially for men within the recommended age range. 

Your next step

To see if you qualify for a screening, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor.

Stay Ahead of Your Health

Preventive care guidelines change. That’s why we created an interactive tool that makes it easy to know what care you need and when. 

Get Your Preventive Care Checklist

Financial Options for Preventive Health Services

Atlantic Health has options for members of the community who have no insurance, or whose insurance does not cover screening exams.

Please call 973-971-5952 or visit the link at the button below.