Cancer Screenings & Prevention

Our team is here to guide you through recommended screenings that can detect cancer early, when treatment is most effective. With St. Bernards, you’re not just getting a test; you’re gaining the support of compassionate providers who put your well-being first. And if your results come back clear, you leave with more than peace of mind. You leave with confidence in your care.

Types of Cancer Screenings

At St. Bernards Healthcare, you have access to:

• Breast cancer screenings – 3D mammograms with same-day results
• Cervical cancer screenings – Pap smear and a test for human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Colon cancer screenings – Colonoscopy and sometimes other tests that look for polyps (lumps) in the intestines
• Lung cancer screening – Computed tomography (CT) scan that uses a low dose of radiation and takes just a few minutes
  • For lung screenings at Jonesboro, Wynne, Pocahontas and Walnut Ridge, you can contact our lung navigator at 870.207.8250 to schedule a screening. 
• Prostate cancer screening – Blood test that checks your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level
• Skin cancer screenings – Variety of options, including a visual check for moles and other spots of a certain size, shape, color or texture

What Screenings Do I Need?

Ask your primary care provider about the right screening tests and frequency for you, based on your:

• Personal and family health history
• Age
• Sex
• Lifestyle

Your risk factors may change over time. Testing guidelines sometimes evolve, too, based on the latest research. Your primary care provider will help you stay up to date.

Cancer Prevention

HPV Vaccination

The HPV vaccine is a critical step in cancer prevention. According to the American Cancer Society, the vaccine helps prevent six types of cancer, including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vulvar and vaginal cancers. By vaccinating children and young adults, we can significantly reduce the risk of these cancers developing later in life. If you or someone you care for is eligible, talk to your primary care provider about getting vaccinated today.

The truth about HPV:

• More than 37,000 people get HPV cancers in the United States every year.
• HPV is very common. Eight out of ten people will get HPV at some point in their lives.
• HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of HPV cancers when given at the recommended ages.

Reducing the Risk of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer can often be prevented through regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, which can detect and remove precancerous polyps. Maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber and low in red and processed meats, staying active and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol can also reduce the risk.

Protecting Your Skin from Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Limiting sun exposure, wearing sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, and avoiding indoor tanning can significantly reduce your risk. Regular skin checks at home and by a dermatologist help catch changes early. Learn more about skin and sun care tips from a St. Bernards Dermatologist.

Preventing Lung Cancer

The number one way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking or quit if you currently smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke, radon and workplace carcinogens also increases risk. Resources and support are available to help individuals quit tobacco and create smoke-free environments.

Quick Questionnaires

Answer a few simple questions below to see if you’re a candidate for a breast cancer screening or lung cancer screening. If you qualify for a test, we’ll reach out to schedule an appointment.

Breast Cancer Screening

Lung Cancer Screening