MASSENA/POTSDAM – A number of cancer prevention screenings are available at multiple locations throughout St. Lawrence Health (SLH).

To make appointments as convenient for patients as possible, an array of testings are offered in Canton, Gouverneur, Massena, and Potsdam. April is National Cancer Prevention Month, and St. Lawrence Health wants to remind patients to schedule their annual screenings upon obtaining the order from their provider.

SLH Senior Director of Radiology/Cardiology Stacie Woodward, RN, explained screenings are conducted for various cancers, such as breast, colon/rectal, lung, and prostate.

“The above screening exams are performed across four different modalities: mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and cat (CT) scan, with each machine having its own nuances,” Ms. Woodward said.

“A mammogram is utilized to evaluate the breast tissue for abnormalities. These are performed using low dose radiation, 3D software, and compression panels to take pictures of the breasts in various positions to evaluate for abnormalities,” Ms. Woodward said. “Other than some mild pressure during the exam due to the compression, it is not a painful experience. Our patients are typically standing for this procedure, but we are easily able to accommodate anyone who is unable to stand by providing a mobile chair that we can adjust.”

“The biggest obstacle for mammography as a screening tool is dense breast tissue; making it challenging for the Radiologist to visualize small abnormalities. We offer 3D Screening Breast Ultrasound, which would be utilized in conjunction with a screening mammogram, for women with dense breast tissue,” she continued. “It is a painless ultrasound of the breast using an automated ultrasound probe and 3D software, and there is no special preparation for this exam. Patients are lying on a stretcher as the exam is performed. This tool is not needed and offers no additional benefit for women who do not have dense breast tissue.”

The American College of Radiology recommends women ages 40 years and older have an annual mammogram screening. In conjunction with screening mammography, SLH partners with Myriad, a screening tool, which asks a series of questions regarding both personal and family history of cancers. It is used to determine if a patient is at high risk for associated cancers (ovarian, uterine, colorectal, skin, gastric, etc). If the patient is deemed “high risk” based on their answers/history, they are offered a referral to SLH’s high risk program for potential further testing.

“We are able to perform 3D screening mammograms at any of our four SLH sites, and offer 3D screening breast ultrasound at Canton-Potsdam Hospital or EJ Noble in Canton,” Ms. Woodward said. “We partner with Cancer Services of New York to assist uninsured or underinsured individuals with covering the cost of mammography and breast ultrasound screenings.”

A CT colonography is utilized to evaluate the colon for abnormalities; it requires the same bowel cleansing preparation as a traditional colonoscopy, and also involves dietary restrictions beginning the day before the exam. This screening requires the insertion of a small tube into the rectum for the purpose of instilling carbon dioxide into the bowel. This “air” helps to distend the bowel to better visualize all the sections of the colon during the scan. Many insurance companies do not pay for this screening tool, but will pay for a traditional colonoscopy for screening, thus we encourage patients to check with their insurance company before scheduling this exam. The CT colonography is available at Canton-Potsdam or Massena hospital.    

A CT lung cancer screening involves a painless, low-dose radiation exam of the chest to look for early cancers. There is no special preparation for this exam, but does require the patient’s ability to lie flat for approximately three to five minutes. CT lung cancer screening exams are provided at all three SLH hospitals.   

The MRI prostate screening is a noninvasive MRI scan typically ordered when a patient had an abnormal prostate laboratory finding. It does require the use of MRI IV contrast for part of the exam, which takes between 30-60 minutes to complete. The patient lies on the MR scan table during this painless exam. Patients who are claustrophobic may require a mild medication, ordered by their provider, to be taken prior to the exam. Other than possibly needing the medication, this exam does not require any preparation. MRI prostate exams are performed at Massena Hospital.

Wait times for procedures may vary between Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Gouverneur Hospital, Massena Hospital, or EJ Noble Professional Building in Canton depending on what screening is being performed. Some tests may have same-day availability, with others averaging a wait of one to two weeks. For more information on Imaging Services provided throughout SLH, visit https://www.stlawrencehealthsystem.org/Services/Imaging.