Preventive Screening Guidelines

  Low-Dose Lung CT Scan

A quick, low-radiation CT scan of the chest used to detect lung cancer at an early, more treatable stage — often before symptoms appear. Important because lung cancer is frequently found late, when treatment options are more limited.

• Ages 50–80
• 20+ pack-year smoking history (packs/day × years smoked)
• Current smoker, or quit within the past 15 years
• Annual screening recommended
• Provider sends an order for “Lung Cancer Screening LDCT”
• It is a screening CT, not a regular diagnostic CT chest
• No IV contrast is used
• The patient is generally asymptomatic. If they’re having symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, hemoptysis, persistent cough, etc., that’s more appropriately a diagnostic CT, not a screening LDCT

Symptoms That Warrant a Doctor Visit (Diagnostic Evaluation, Not Screening)

Persistent cough, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath. These symptoms should prompt a conversation with a provider, who may order a diagnostic CT rather than a screening LDCT.

How Do I Get One: Talk to your Primary Care Physician or a qualified provider.  If you don’t have a Primary Care Physician, let us help you find one!  Call the NRMC Walk-in Clinic at 318-238-5300 or NRMC Medicine Associates at 318-214-5770.

  Mammogram

An X-ray of breast tissue used to detect breast cancer early, sometimes years before a lump can be felt. Early detection significantly improves treatment success and survival rates.

• Starting age 40 for average-risk women
• Every 1–2 years (screening interval can vary by provider/organization)
• Earlier or more frequent screening may be recommended with family history or genetic risk factors

Symptoms That Warrant a Doctor Visit

A new lump, breast pain, nipple discharge, or changes in breast size, shape, or skin.

How Do I Get One: The patient can call the NRMC Breast Center directly and schedule at their convenience, 318-214-4265.  No doctor referral needed.

  Colonoscopy

A procedure that examines the colon and rectum, allowing precancerous polyps to be found and removed before they become cancer. It’s one of the few screenings that can prevent cancer, not just detect it early.

• Ages 45–75 for average-risk adults
• Every 10 years if results are normal
• Earlier and/or more frequent screening recommended with family history, personal history of polyps, or certain conditions (e.g., IBD)

Symptoms That Warrant a Doctor Visit

Blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, unexplained abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss.

How Do I Get One: Talk to your Primary Care Physician or a qualified provider. If you don’t have a Primary Care Physician, let us help you find one!  Call the NRMC Walk-in Clinic at 318-238-5300 or NRMC Medicine Associates at 318-214-5770.

  PSA Screening (Prostate)

A blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen levels, which can help identify prostate cancer early. Because elevated PSA can also result from non-cancerous conditions, this test is typically paired with a conversation about individual risks and benefits.

• Ages 55–69: shared decision-making with a physician recommended (not automatic)
• Generally not routine before 55 or after 70 for average-risk men
• Earlier screening (40s) may be considered for higher-risk men, including Black men or those with a family history of prostate cancer

Symptoms That Warrant a Doctor Visit

Difficulty urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), blood in urine, pelvic discomfort.

How Do I Get One: Talk to your Primary Care Physician or a qualified provider. If you don’t have a Primary Care Physician, let us help you find one!  Call the NRMC Walk-in Clinic at 318-238-5300 or NRMC Medicine Associates at 318-214-5770.