Maybe you have been putting off a mammogram or a bone density scan that your doctor recommended. It is easy to delay these appointments when life gets busy.
But many health conditions develop without symptoms or warning signs. Preventive imaging screenings help detect issues early when there is still time to take action and begin treatment if needed. At A.T. Radiology, our goal is to make that process simple, comfortable, and clear. Here are six screenings worth scheduling this summer.
Key Takeaways
- Most serious conditions detected by imaging have no symptoms early on, making screening the only way to catch them in time.
- Many screenings are covered by insurance with a physician’s referral.
- Early detection gives you more options, more time, and better outcomes.
- 3D Mammogram : A mammogram checks the breast tissue for signs of cancer. A 3D mammogram goes further than a standard one. It takes images from multiple angles and builds a layered picture that makes it much easier for radiologists to spot small tumors, especially in dense breast tissue.
The exam takes less than 30 minutes and is straightforward. Women aged 40 and older should have one every year. If you have a family history of breast cancer, speak with your doctor about whether you should start before 40.
- Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening : Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. One of the biggest challenges is that early-stage lung cancer often causes no symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may already be advanced.
A low-dose CT lung screening uses a small amount of radiation to produce detailed images of the lungs. It can detect tiny nodules that would never appear on a standard chest X-ray. If you are between the ages of 50 and 80 and have smoked heavily, either currently or in the past, this screening could save your life. It is quick, painless, and covered by most insurance plans.
- Prostate MRI : If your doctor has flagged an elevated PSA level, it can feel alarming. A PSA result alone does not tell the full story. A prostate MRI creates detailed images of the prostate gland without using any radiation. It helps doctors see exactly what is happening and whether further steps, such as a biopsy, are necessary.
For many men, the MRI brings reassurance. For others, it gives a clear direction forward.
- DEXA Bone Density Scan : Osteoporosis is one of the most common conditions people never know they have until a bone breaks. There is no pain as bones gradually weaken over time. A DEXA scan measures bone strength using very low radiation.
Women 65 and older and men 70 and older should have a baseline bone density scan. If you are postmenopausal, have used steroids long-term, or have a family history of osteoporosis, ask your doctor about earlier screening.
- OB Ultrasound : An OB ultrasound monitors the baby’s growth, checks the placenta, measures amniotic fluid, and confirms the baby’s heartbeat. It is safe throughout pregnancy.
At A.T. Radiology, we know these appointments carry a lot of emotion. Our team takes the time to make every expecting mother feel comfortable, informed, and cared for from the moment she walks in.
- Echocardiogram : An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It shows how the heart’s chambers and valves function and how blood flows through them in real time. It is completely painless and takes about an hour.
This test is especially important for anyone with a history of heart disease, someone who has noticed shortness of breath, or anyone who wants to understand their heart health before a problem develops. Summer heat puts extra stress on the heart, making this a particularly good time of year to schedule one.
The Best Time to Find Something Is Before It Finds You
Many conditions found through screenings show no symptoms early on. That is why regular screenings matter. They can bring peace of mind or help detect something early, when treatment is more effective.
At A.T. Radiology, our board-certified team makes the process simple and comfortable. We provide quick results and clear next steps. This summer, make time for your health and schedule your screening with us.
Our imaging services include: 3D Mammogram, Ultrasounds, Sonograms, X-Rays, MRI Scans, 3D Sonogram, Echocardiograms, Prostate MRI, Bone Density Scan, Arthrograms, CT Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening, Lung Cancer Screening, CT Scan, and OB Ultrasound.
