The Importance of Cancer Prevention
About one-third of all cancers are preventable. Hear from both patients and doctors about why our Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Program is so important to our South Bay community.
Take a Cancer Risk Assessment
A cancer risk assessment is a great first step toward cancer prevention or early detection. Each assessment takes about five to 10 minutes to complete. You can expect to follow these steps:
- Answer questions about your health history and lifestyle habits.
- Receive a report with information about your risk of getting a certain type of cancer.
- Review the report with your health provider, so they can help you find ways to reduce your risk, get a screening or maintain good health.
Cancer Screening Tests We Offer
With advanced technology, regular cancer screening tests can detect signs of cancer before you even notice symptoms. Some of our most important tests include:
- Blood tests
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Endoscopic ultrasound
- Imaging tests, such as MRI, PET and CT scans
- Lung cancer screenings:
- Mammogram
- Prostate cancer screenings
Genetic Testing for Cancer
Genetic counseling and testing can help you determine your cancer risk — especially if you have a family history of cancer. When you know your inherited risk for cancer, you and your doctor can take steps to lower it.
Our Cancer Center gives you access to genetic tests that can:
- Diagnose an existing inherited condition
- See how likely you are to develop certain cancers — such as blood cancers, breast cancer, colorectal or ovarian cancer — and cancer types
- Predict how you’ll respond to a specific medication, so we can tailor your cancer treatment to your needs
If you’re interested in genetic testing, ask your healthcare provider for a referral.
Community Education on Cancer Prevention
Cancer Care at El Camino Health is more than cancer treatment in the hospital. It’s also about protecting the health of our community. As part of our commitment to community health, we share resources that help prevent cancer.
Free Cancer Screening Events
You may qualify for a free breast cancer screening or lung screening. Learn more about our Free Mammogram Program, and talk to your primary care doctor about how to receive a low dose CT lung scan. We also host special screening events throughout the year.
Free Community Education Programs
Find our doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners regularly speaking to community groups, companies and other organizations about health topics. These free community education programs are part of our cancer prevention goals.
Help from Health Librarians
Use our free Health Library & Resource Center at either hospital location. Our health librarians help you research and navigate complex health information. We offer books, videos, classes and internet access, so you can search for information about cancer and treatment breakthroughs.