Your risk for developing heart disease can be detected by measuring your cholesterol levels via a blood draw (preferably in the fasting state).

A rectal exam is used to detect occult bleeding and can help determine your risk for colon cancer. We may also refer you to a gastroenterology specialist who can perform a screening colonoscopy, the gold standard test for diagnosing colon cancer.

Genital human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is a sexually transmitted viral infection. There are more than 40 different kinds of HPV that can infect the genitalia, mouth and throats of men and women.

More than 20 million people in the United States are infected with HPV, with an estimated six million people becoming infected each year. It is estimated that at least half of all sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives.

There are currently two vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix, available to protect against high-risk types of HPV. Gardasil, the first HPV vaccine, targets the types of HPV that cause genital warts. Cervarix helps protect women from cervical cancer.

Since the HPV vaccine became available in 2006, we have been able to vaccinate women against the virus responsible for genital warts and cervical cancer.

A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast. It is performed to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, often before any signs or symptoms of the disease are present. Mammograms are an effective way to detect cancer early and can aid in the goal of successfully treating and beating the disease.

A mammogram is a useful tool in detecting breast cancer because it can show abnormalities, like a tumor, in the breast tissue long before they can be felt. Both screening and diagnostic mammography can help diagnose breast diseases, lumps, cysts and benign and malignant tumors. These procedures can also detect calcium deposits that may indicate breast cancer.

Patients with the following risk factors should take extra care to be screened regularly:

• Personal or family history of breast cancer

• Abnormal breast chances

• Long-term use of hormone therapy

It is also recommended that all women older than 40 have mammograms annually. Women with or without risk factors will be referred to a variety of conveniently located radiology centers that provide this important screening test.

A pap test is a screening for cervical cancer. It is a standard gynecological procedure that examines your cervix for changes or abnormalities. It can also detect infections and the human papillomavirus (HPV). A pap test is recommended every year for women over the age of 21 and slightly less frequently for women over 30. A pap test collects cells from your cervix. The cells are sent to a laboratory for testing. Regular Pap tests detect problems quickly and rule out mistakes made by false-positive and false-negative results.

We strive to detect cervical cancer as early and as accurately as possible with the use of PapSure®. PapSure is the only in-office direct visual screening exam, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for all women. It is a visual exam, performed by your physician, in addition to your Pap Test. PapSure reduces the amount of false results. PapSure uses Speculite®, a bright light technology that illuminates the vagina and helps the doctor visually identify any abnormalities. The cells are examined under a blue light which will cause any irregular cells to appear white. Results are rapid and provide extra confidence to the Pap test results.

Blood is drawn to assess the level and function of your thyroid hormones. These hormones can control energy level, menstrual regularity, temperature control, weight gain/loss, heart rate, breathing, bowel function and other functions.