Prevention and risk assessment

Beat cancer before it starts. Our cancer prevention and risk assessment experts at Aurora BayCare Medical Center use the latest cancer screening tools to find cancer early.

Cancer prevention and risk assessment: Why choose Aurora BayCare Medical Center?

Our specialists have the expertise and experience to assess your risk for getting cancer. Because we’re a comprehensive cancer center, you have access to the latest cancer tests. We offer:

• Leading cancer specialists: Our board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons, oncologists and radiologists have extensive experience in cancer screening, diagnostic procedures and cancer treatments.
• Sophisticated tools: We use leading-edge technologies and the newest techniques to find what causes cancer and stop disease from progressing.
• National recognition: Our accreditation by the Commission on Cancer means you can be sure our program meets or exceeds U.S. standards for excellence in testing and treatment. The Commission is a national group focused on improving cancer care and survival.

Advanced cancer screening tools

Our specialists take the time to learn about you and your risks for certain cancers. We create a tailored screening plan that’s right for your needs. Our tools include:

Genetic cancer counseling

Some cancers travel in families via mutated, or changed, genes, such as the BRCA genes in breast cancer. If you have a family history of cancer, genetic testing can help you learn more about your risk.

Lung cancer screening

If you’re a smoker or former smoker, or worked with environmental toxins like asbestos, you may qualify for our lung cancer screening program. We use sophisticated tools like low-dose CT scans of the chest to find lung cancer.

Digital mammograms

Specialists in our Breast Health Center use the latest advances in mammography, including digital mammograms and 3D mammograms, to find breast cancer. We were the first hospital in Wisconsin to offer audiovisual mammograms, which use sight and sound to help you relax. Schedule your mammogram today.

Gail Model for breast cancer

We use the breast cancer Gail Model, a tool to assess risk, as part of our screening program. The Gail Model evaluates breast cancer risk based on lifestyle, medical and genetic factors.

Virtual colonoscopy

Our specialists create 3D images of the colon and rectum using computers and CT scans to find colorectal cancer. This test is faster and less invasive than conventional colonoscopy.

Making healthy choices

Healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk of getting cancer. Our experts recommend that you:

• Avoid nicotine: Quit smoking, vaping and all tobacco-related products.
• Protect your skin: Limit time spent in the sun and use sunscreen to protect your skin. Be sure to avoid tanning beds.
• Get screened: See your regular doctor, known as a primary care physician, for wellness exams. Ask about cancer screenings you should have.
• Stay up to date with vaccines: Talk to your doctor about vaccines for hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV). Some viral infections can increase your cancer risk.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eat fruits and vegetables every day, and limit sugar and fat.
• Exercise: Be active every day.

Routine screenings

Regular, or routine, screenings play an important role in cancer prevention and risk assessment. We recommend:

Women’s cancer screening

We recommend regular pap tests and, for most women over 40, annual mammograms.

Women should also have regular screenings of the:

• Breasts
• Thyroid
• Skin
• Ovaries

Men’s cancer screening

We recommend prostate cancer screening for most men at age 50 or earlier, depending on personal risk factors. Men should also have regular screenings of the:

• Mouth
• Thyroid
• Skin
• Testes

Request an appointment

Learn more about cancer prevention and risk assessment at Aurora BayCare. Request an appointment with a cancer specialist.