Primary Care in Astoria

Life-Saving Cancer Screenings at mediDental care in Astoria

Cancer screenings are vital tools in the early detection and prevention of serious illness. At mediDental care, we recognize that every person is unique, so we offer personalized and comprehensive cancer screening services for breast, colon, and cervical cancer. Each person receives individualized attention, with screenings tailored to your age, gender, risk factors, and family history. As a leading provider of primary care in Astoria, we help patients take a proactive role in protecting their health.

Early detection saves lives. Our goal is to catch cancer before it progresses—when it’s most treatable and outcomes are best.

Why Are Cancer Screenings Important?

Routine cancer screenings can detect abnormalities before symptoms appear. When cancer is found early, treatment is often less invasive and more successful.

Benefits of Routine Cancer Screening:

• Detect cancer in early, treatable stages
• Prevent cancer by identifying precancerous changes
• Reduce the need for aggressive treatment
• Increase survival rates
• Empower patients to make informed health decisions

Types of Cancer Screenings We Offer

Breast Cancer Screening

• Clinical Breast Exams: Manual examination of breast tissue by a provider
• Mammograms: Low-dose X-ray to detect lumps or abnormal tissue

Colon Cancer Screening

• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): Annual at-home stool test for hidden blood
• Cologuard® Test: Noninvasive DNA stool test (every 3 years)
• Colonoscopy: Visual inspection of the colon and rectum (every 10 years, or as needed). During a colonoscopy, precancerous polyps can be identified and removed to help prevent colorectal cancer.

Cervical Cancer Screening

• Pap Smear (Pap test): Collects cervical cells to detect abnormalities or precancerous changes
• HPV Test: Screens for high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus

Our team will help you decide which tests are right for you based on your age, medical history, and personal risk.

When Should You Get Screened?

Breast Cancer:

• Ages 40–49: Talk to your provider about starting annual or biennial mammograms
• Ages 50–74: Mammogram every 1–2 years
• Under 40 with family history: Start earlier and consider genetic testing

Colon Cancer:

• Starting at age 45: Colonoscopy every 10 years or FIT annually
• Earlier for high-risk individuals: Family history, inflammatory bowel disease, or polyps

Cervical Cancer:

• Ages 21–29: Pap smear every 3 years
• Ages 30–65: Pap + HPV co-testing every 5 years or Pap alone every 3 years
• Over 65: Screening may stop if prior tests were normal and risk is low

Step-by-Step Cancer Screening Process

1. Initial Consultation

Your journey to better health begins with a thoughtful initial consultation. During this visit, you’ll meet with a caring healthcare provider who will take the time to review your medical and family history, discuss any current health concerns, and assess your personal cancer risk. This is your opportunity to ask questions about screening tests—such as mammograms for breast cancer or Pap and HPV tests for cervical cancer—and to share any worries you may have.

Your provider will consider all relevant factors, including your age, lifestyle habits, and family history of cancer, to recommend the most appropriate cancer screening options for you. Whether you’re wondering about the right time to start certain tests or how your history might affect your chance of developing cancer, you’ll receive clear guidance tailored to your needs. By the end of your consultation, you’ll have a personalized screening plan designed to help you stay proactive about your health and catch any issues early.

2. Diagnostic Testing

Once your personalized screening plan is in place, the next step is diagnostic testing. These screening tests are essential tools in the fight against cancer, helping to find cancer early—often before you feel any symptoms. Depending on your individual risk factors and health history, your provider may recommend tests such as mammograms for women to detect breast cancer, colonoscopies for those with a family history of colon cancer, or other specialized screenings.

Your healthcare team will walk you through the benefits and potential harms of each test, ensuring you understand what to expect and how each screening can impact your health. For example, yearly mammograms have been shown to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by catching it in its earliest stages. By following recommended screening schedules, you give yourself the best chance to find cancer early, when treatment is most effective and outcomes are better. Taking these proactive steps is a powerful way to protect your health and well-being.

3. Results & Follow-Up

After your screening tests are complete, you’ll receive your results and have the chance to review them with your healthcare provider. If any abnormalities or signs of cancer are found, your provider will explain what the results mean and outline the next steps, which may include additional testing or a referral to a specialist for further evaluation.

It’s important to follow up promptly, as early action can make a significant difference in treatment options and outcomes. Even if your results are normal, your provider will help you set up a schedule for future screenings to ensure you stay on top of your health. At mediDental care, we’re committed to supporting every patient through the entire process, providing clear communication, compassionate care, and expert guidance every step of the way.

4. Prevention & Education

At mediDental care, we believe that knowledge is a powerful tool in lowering your cancer risk. Beyond regular screenings, we offer education and resources to help you make healthy choices every day. Our team provides guidance on quitting smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and limiting alcohol—all proven ways to reduce your risk for many types of cancer.

We also offer information about the HPV vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer, and we encourage open conversations about any symptoms or changes you notice in your body. By staying informed and making positive lifestyle changes, you can take control of your health and increase your chances of finding cancer early, when it’s most treatable. We’re here to answer your questions, connect you with resources, and support you in every aspect of your cancer prevention journey.

1. Initial Consultation

• Medical and family history review
• Discussion of risk factors, lifestyle, and symptoms
• Counseling on screening options and timelines

2. Diagnostic Testing

• In-clinic tests like Pap smears or FIT kit distribution
• Referrals for mammograms or colonoscopies with trusted local specialists
• Follow-up to discuss results and next steps

3. Results & Follow-Up

• Clear communication of results
• Referral to oncology or gynecology specialists if needed
• Repeat testing schedules for monitoring precancerous changes

4. Prevention & Education

• Smoking cessation and alcohol moderation guidance
• Diet and exercise support for cancer prevention
• Maintain a healthy balance between calorie intake and physical activity to reduce cancer risk
• Quit tobacco use to lower your risk of cancer and encourage others to quit as well
• Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke, as it increases the risk of cancer and other health problems
• HPV vaccination education (for cervical cancer prevention)

What Increases Cancer Risk?

While everyone should be screened, certain factors increase your risk:

• Family history of cancer
• Personal history of precancerous polyps or abnormal Pap results
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Obesity and poor diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Chronic inflammation (e.g., IBD)
• HPV infection (for cervical cancer)

At mediDental care, we use your individual profile to build a personalized screening schedule.

What to Expect During a Screening

We understand that cancer screenings can feel intimidating. Our team ensures a respectful, comfortable experience.

Pap Smear:

• Done in-office in just a few minutes
• May cause mild discomfort, but not pain
• No anesthesia needed

Mammogram:

• Performed at a diagnostic imaging center
• Compression of the breast for a few seconds
• Fast and low-risk procedure

FIT or Cologuard Test:

• At-home stool sample collection
• No special preparation required
• Return kit by mail or to the clinic

Colonoscopy:

• Sedated procedure done in a specialty center
• Requires prep to empty the colon beforehand

Gender-Inclusive and Culturally Competent Screening

We proudly serve patients of all gender identities and backgrounds. Whether you’re cisgender, transgender, or non-binary, we provide sensitive care tailored to your anatomy and risk profile.

• Inclusive communication and intake forms
• Trauma-informed approach to exams
• Bilingual team members and interpreter support

Staying on Track with Your Screenings

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Why Choose mediDental care for Cancer Screenings in Astoria?

• Comprehensive risk assessment and preventive care
• Convenient access to in-office and referral-based screenings
• Supportive, judgment-free environment
• Same-day appointments and fast results
• Trusted neighborhood provider of primary care and dental services in Astoria

We're not just checking boxes—we’re supporting your health journey with personalized care.

Book Your Cancer Screening Appointment in Astoria Today

Don’t wait to take control of your health. With routine cancer screenings at mediDental care, you can catch problems early and protect your future. Whether you need your first Pap smear, a mammogram, or a colon cancer test, we’re here to help.

📍 Located in Astoria, Queens
📞 Call us or book your appointment online

Prevent cancer. Detect early. Trust mediDental care—your partner in primary care in Astoria.