Cancer Screenings

Cancer screening tests are used to find cancer before a person has any symptoms.

Cancer Screenings

Cancer screening tests are used to find cancer before a person has any symptoms. Early diagnosis can detect pre-cancers and cancers when they are more treatable before they have had a chance to spread. Your body is made up of trillions of cells that over your lifetime normally grow and divide as needed. When cells get old, they usually die. Cancer starts when something goes wrong and your body keeps making new cells but the old ones don’t die when they should. As the cancer cells grow out of control, they can crowd out normal cells. This makes it hard for your body to work the way it needs to. Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, talk to your doctor about cancer screening guidelines which will be based on your age, health, family history, and personal risk factors. For a person between the ages of 50-74 at average risk, here are the screenings to discuss with your doctor: COLON AND RECTAL CANCER: A simple at-home test called a FOBT kit (fecal occult blood test) can be done annually, or a colonoscopy every 10 years, through age 75. For people ages 76-85, your doctor can help you decide which screening is right for you. BREAST CANCER: Women aged 50-54 should continue to get annual mammograms. After age 55 your doctor might recommend mammograms every 2 years. PROSTATE CANCER: Men can get a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test with or without a rectal exam. The PSA screens for prostate cancer and is usually given to men with no symptoms. If you have a father or brother who had prostate cancer before the age of 65, or if you are African American, you should talk to your doctor about prostate screening starting at age 45. If you are at average risk, start considering prostate screening at age 50. CERVICAL CANCER: People between 50 -65 should get a primary HPV (human papillomavirus) test done every 5 years, even if you have had the HPV vaccination. If you are over 65 and have had regular cervical cancer screening in the past ten years with normal results you no longer need to be tested for cervical cancer. LUNG CANCER: Lung cancer screenings are done using lung X-rays. Consider screening for lung cancer if you are over 50 AND have smoked 20 packs of cigarettes or more per year within the last 15 years. SKIN CANCER: Talk to your doctor about how often you should schedule a full-body skin screening. If you have fair skin, many moles, blue eyes, red hair, or a family history of skin cancer you may need more regular checks.

Related Testimonials

Hear what our members have to say about the HVVMG community and resources

"Hi my name is Fred Mcmoore and I'm texting to let you know that Sneha and Natalie are the best medical personnel that I have ever had that help me with all my medical needs such as prescriptions and doctor’s appointments 😃 they are great!!"

Fred Mcmoore Apple Valley, CA

"As a Heritage member who has used the Resort for several years now, I have found that there is a good selection of classes and meetings to meet the needs of most seniors. The classes are given by very good instructors and materials for crafts are provided as needed. There are even books to take out and a food pantry as needed. Keep up the good work Heritage and thank you for the time and consideration you put in for us seniors. "

David Miller Victorville, CA

"She’s [Naoko] very helpful. My 3 children have been seeing her and I love speaking with her. She has given me great advice!"

Liliana Apple Valley, CA

"[The senior events are a] Great place to meet people my age, and the ladies that run the place are very kind."

Johnny Barry Victorville, CA

FAQs

What are Heritage’s Urgent Care and hospital affiliations?

Heritage has its own Urgent Care Plus high acuity urgent care facility with services including on-site Labs, x-ray, wound care and infusion services. Heritage Medical Group is contracted with four High Desert urgent care facilities and is contracted with hospitals in the High Desert and Southern California.

What is the referral process and how long does it take?

With an average medical group, obtaining a referral can often take weeks! We've developed a system to speed up the referral process and get you seen by a doctor as fast as possible. Heritage's fast track referrals can be completed in hours - not weeks!

How many specialists are available to Heritage members?

Because Heritage is part of the Heritage Provider Network - one of Southern California’s largest medical groups - our members have access to over 200 local specialists throughout Southern California.

What health insurance plans does Heritage accept?

Heritage accepts most health plans. Contact our member services to see if we are contracted with your health plan. 1(800) 655-9999

How is Heritage different from other medical groups?

Heritage has many benefits and resources that other medical groups in our area do not have. These benefits include fast track referrals, free fitness, senior activities and more. Heritage also has an Urgent Care facility for members with near-emergency-room levels of care (known as high acuity care), capable of handling even serious injuries.

What is coordinated care?

Navigating through the healthcare system can be very difficult for even the most informed individuals. Coordinated care is a way that a medical group assists you in finding the right care by the right doctor. Your coordinated care team can help you track a myriad of appointments, insurance coverage, and generally any services you might need to ensure your health and safety according to your doctor's recommendations.

What is the difference between HMO and PPO insurance?

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans: Comprehensive coordinated care. A health maintenance organization (HMO) contracts with health care professionals and facilities to create a “provider network.” If you choose HMO insurance, you’ll typically pay a small co-payment if you visit a physician or hospital within the plan network. HMO insurance often features lower premiums and co-pays than other plans. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans: Self coordinated care. A preferred provider organization (PPO) also enters into contractual agreements with health care providers and creates a “provider network.” But unlike HMOs, PPO health insurance will cover some - but not all - of the cost of care administered by out-of-network providers, and patients take on more responsibility to coordinate their care.

What is a medical group and what are the benefits of belonging to one?

Health plans contract with groups of doctors to provide health care. These groups of doctors are called medical groups. Medical groups can range from small practices with several doctors to very large organizations with hundreds of doctors. The difference between a medical group and a health plan sometimes isn’t clear. The medical group’s job is to care for patients - this work is done by the doctors, nurses, therapists and other professionals in the medical group. The health plan is responsible for seeing that its members receive care easily by contracting with enough medical groups and their doctors in a local area so it is convenient for members to find nearby care. (CA.GOV)

How do I become a Heritage Member and receive benefits?

Keep your current insurance, just switch to a Heritage doctor. There is no cost. All benefits are included in membership. 1(800) 655-9999 Becoming a member is as easy as selecting one of our Heritage primary care physicians. This can be done by contacting our Member Services department or by contacting your current health plan and making the request for a new PCP.

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Cancer Screenings

Cancer screening tests are used to find cancer before a person has any symptoms.