Screening is a vital part of your healthcare. In most cases, early detection leads to better outcomes.

Screening is when you get a test for cancer even though you don’t have any symptoms. Usually you get a cancer screening because you have a risk factor. Sometimes the factor is broad, such as being over the age of 50. Sometimes the factor is narrow, such as having a family history of cancer. Either way, screening can catch cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is a leader in early detection. We are working on new and better ways to spot the early signals of cancer. We have developed some of the most advanced genetic tests for cancer. And we offer screening for many types of cancer.

Should I get a cancer screening?

Screening offers many benefits:

• In most cases, early detection means fewer symptoms, easier treatment, and longer life expectancy.
• Screening can help lessen your chances of getting cancer in the future.
• Some tests not only detect cancer, they offer a chance to treat it, as well.

However, there are some things to consider:

• Do you have a risk factor for this condition?
• How accurate is the test?
• How invasive is the test?
• Will you have to pay for it?

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of screening.

Regular screening

These screenings are recommended for broad groups of people.

• Breast cancer screening
• Prostate cancer screening
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Skin cancer screening
• Cervical cancer screening and prevention

High-risk screening

These screenings are recommended for people who have risk factors.

• Breast cancer high-risk screening
• Lung cancer screening
• Anal cancer screening
• Pancreatic cancer screening
• Non-melanoma skin cancer screening
• Genetic testing

Multi-cancer screening

Doctors at the Knight are partnering with researchers around the world on new ways to detect cancer early. One promising idea is multi-cancer screening. In this type of test, we take a single blood sample to look for warning signals for many types of cancer.

The Knight is currently conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the Galleri blood test, which can detect 50 types of cancer. Find out if you are eligible for the Pathfinder 2 trial. You can also request the Galleri test if you are willing to pay for it yourself.

Learn more

• Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer, American Cancer Society.
• A + B Cancer Recommendations, US Preventive Services Task Force.
• Cancer Screening, National Cancer Institute.
• Genetic Testing, National Cancer Institute.