Cancer screenings & prevention
Cancer screenings save lives. Missed cancer screenings don’t.
Cancer screenings save lives.
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.
Prostate health matters
Care for your prostate. Know your family history and watch for symptoms. Talk to your doctor or urologist about screenings and prostate health. Early detection can save lives.
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.
Why screening matters
Prostate cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screening is so important. When symptoms do appear, they may include difficulty urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), a weak urine stream, or blood in the urine
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.
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.
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.
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.
When do I start screening for pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer screenings are recommended for individuals who have a family history of pancreatic cancer or a genetic mutation linked to increased risk. Screening typically begins at age 50, or 10 years earlier than the age at which a family member was diagnosed.
Why screening matters
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early because symptoms often don’t appear until the disease has advanced or spread to other organs. For people at higher risk, regular surveillance can help catch pancreatic cancer earlier—when treatment may be more effective.
Am I eligible for pancreatic cancer surveillance?
You may qualify for the High-Risk Pancreatic Cancer Surveillance Program if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
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You have a family history of pancreatic cancer in at least one first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) and one second-degree relative (grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew) on the same side of the family.
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You carry a genetic mutation associated with increased risk, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, PALB2, TP53, or a gene linked to Lynch Syndrome.
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You have a mutation in CDK2NA (FAMMM Syndrome), STK11 (Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome), or PRSS1 (Hereditary Pancreatitis). If so, contact the program directly for eligibility guidance.
How often do I need a screening?
Screening frequency is determined by your individual risk factors and medical history. Your care team will recommend a personalized surveillance plan, which may include imaging tests and regular follow-ups.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage for pancreatic cancer surveillance varies. Many insurance plans cover screening for individuals who meet high-risk criteria. Check with your provider for details.
Your next step
To find out if you're eligible for pancreatic cancer screening, talk to your primary care doctor or contact the High-Risk Pancreatic Cancer Surveillance Program.
We are committed to making cancer screenings and education accessible to all. Through partnerships and community initiatives, we offer programs that provide free or low-cost services to eligible individuals.
NJCEED Program
In Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties, Atlantic Health System participates in the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) program. NJCEED offers:
- Free or reduced-cost screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers
- Education and outreach services
- Case management and patient navigation
- Follow-up care and assistance with treatment access
These services are available to uninsured or underinsured residents aged 18 and older who meet eligibility requirements.
Cancer Education & Outreach
We also provide a wide range of educational programs focused on prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship for cancers including:
- Breast
- Colorectal
- Prostate
- Skin
- Oral
- Lung
Thanks to generous community partners and private donations, we extend these services to underserved populations and offer free screening exams, including mammography.