Cancer Screening & Diagnosis

Early detection is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against breast cancer. At Exeter Hospital, our Breast Cancer Screening Program is designed to detect breast cancer as early as possible—when it is most treatable.

Why Breast Cancer Screening Matters

Routine breast cancer screening can help identify changes in breast tissue before symptoms develop. Detecting cancer early may lead to:

• More treatment options
• Less invasive treatment
• Improved outcomes and peace of mind

Breast Cancer Screening Test: Mammogram

A screening mammogram is a low-dose X-ray exam used to look for breast cancer in individuals who have no signs or symptoms of the disease.

Who Should Be Screened

Breast cancer screening recommendations can vary based on age, personal health history, and family risk factors. In general:

• Individuals at average risk should begin routine screening mammograms at age 40 or as recommended by their healthcare provider
• Individuals with a family history of breast cancer, known genetic mutations, or other risk factors may need to begin screening earlier or undergo additional imaging
• Anyone experiencing breast symptoms—such as a lump, pain, or nipple changes—should contact their healthcare provider promptly

If you are unsure when to begin screening, our team can help guide you based on your individual needs.

Schedule Your Screening Mammogram

Scheduling your screening mammogram at Exeter Hospital is easy and convenient.

• Call: 603-580-6966
• Text: 603-605-1840

A doctor’s order is not required. When scheduling, please be prepared to provide the name of your doctor.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common, yet most preventable forms of cancer. Regular screening can detect cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat, and can even stop it from developing by finding and removing precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. Early detection saves lives and supports long‑term digestive health. 

Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Matters

Colorectal cancer often begins as small growths called polyps in the large intestine. These polyps can develop into cancer over time if not removed. Screening is essential because early‑stage colorectal cancer often has no symptoms. Finding and removing precancerous polyps can prevent cancer before it starts, and detecting cancer early makes treatment more effective.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Test: Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist uses a flexible, lighted, instrument to examine the lining of your colon and rectum.  Any suspicious areas can be removed and sent for further analysis. Removing pre-cancerous polyps can prevent them from developing into cancer in the future. 

Who Should Be Screened

Guidelines recommend routine colorectal cancer screening for most adults starting at age 45, especially for those at average risk. If you have personal or family history of colon cancer, polyps, or inherited conditions that increase cancer risk, screening may begin earlier and occur more frequently. 

Talk with your healthcare provider about your age, medical history, and family history to build a screening plan that fits your health needs.

Schedule Your Colorectal Cancer Screening

Taking the step to get screened can make a profound difference in your health. To schedule a colonoscopy at Exeter Hospital, call 603-580-7891 or talk with your healthcare provider.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women, but there is hope through early detection. At Exeter Hospital, our Lung Cancer Screening Program uses low-dose chest CT (LDCT) scans to detect small lung nodules that may signal cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Why Lung Cancer Screening Matters

Lung cancer often does not cause symptoms until it has advanced. Screening with low-dose CT can find lung cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment options are more effective. Research shows that annual LDCT screening significantly improves lung cancer treatment outcomes in people at higher risk due to smoking.

Lung Cancer Screening Test: Low-Dose CT Scan

Lung cancer screening is done once a year using a low-dose CT scan. The exam is quick, noninvasive, and does not require needles or contrast dye.

If your results fall into a specific LUNG-RADS category you may be referred to pulmonologist (lung specialist) at Exeter Hospital where you will be able to receive the latest in diagnostic tests and biopsy procedures when necessary.

Who Should Be Screened

Our Lung Cancer Screening Program is for adults who have a higher risk of lung cancer because of their age and smoking history. You may be eligible for a yearly low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening if you:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old and generally healthy (Medicare covers screening up to age 77 and many private insurances cover screening up to age 80)
• Are a current smoker or quit smoking within the past 15 years
• Have a 20 pack-year smoking history
• Do not have symptoms of lung cancer, such as persistent or worsening cough, new breathing difficulties, or sudden weight loss

A pack year is based on how many packs of cigarettes you smoked per day and how many years you smoked. For example:

• Smoking one pack a day for 20 years equals 20 pack years
• Smoking two packs a day for 10 years equals 20 pack years

If you meet these guidelines, we recommend having an LDCT lung cancer screening every year until age 80 or until it has been more than 15 years since you quit smoking.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, and when detected early, it is often highly treatable. At Exeter Hospital, we offer comprehensive prostate cancer screening services designed to identify cancer at its earliest and most manageable stages, close to home and supported by expert care.

Why Prostate Cancer Screening Matters

Prostate cancer often develops slowly and may not cause symptoms in its early stages. Screening can help detect prostate cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment options are most effective, and outcomes are often better. Early detection may also allow for less aggressive treatment in some cases.

Prostate Cancer Screening Test: Prostate-Specific Antigen

Our team uses the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, which measures the level of PSA in your blood. This level may be elevated in men with prostate cancer or other prostate conditions.

If your first screening is normal, it is important to continue with yearly screening as risk increases with age. Abnormal screening results do not necessarily mean cancer is present, but they may indicate the need for further evaluation.

If your screening results suggest a possible concern, your care team will guide you through next steps, which may include repeat testing, advanced imaging, or referral to urology for further evaluation. When needed, Exeter Hospital works closely with urology and cancer specialists to ensure timely diagnosis and coordinated care.

Who Should Consider Screening

You may want to talk with your healthcare provider about prostate cancer screening if you:

• Are age 50 or older
• Are age 45 or older with higher risk factors, such as a family history of prostate cancer
• Are African American, as prostate cancer risk is higher in this population

Your provider can help you decide when to begin screening based on your personal risk factors and overall health. Most experts recommend stopping prostate cancer screening after age 70.

Some men have a gene markers that can increase their risk of aggressive forms of prostate cancer.  If you have a family history of prostate cancer under age 60 or in multiple family members, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should consider genetic testing.