10 Health Screenings Women Should Not Avoid

In addition to a balanced diet, exercise and stress management, it is also important to stay current with any screenings that are available to us for early detection of any disease or illnesses that we may be susceptible to. For women, there are 10 screenings that are recommended:

1. Mammography. The American Cancer Society recommends a yearly screening starting at are also age 40. Self breast exams recommended in your 20’s and 30’s.
2. Pap Test. This screening tests for cervical cancer, and should start as early as age 21.
3. DXA Exam. The DXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) exam tests for osteoporosis. A yearly exam is recommended for women over 65, but younger women with risk factors should also get tested. This exam is crucial as it threatens about half of American women over age 50.
4. Skin Exam. A routine skin exam by a dermatologist or other doctor is recommended in addition to self skin exams. It is important to look for changes in size, shape or color of any marks on your skin.
5. Blood Pressure. Risk for high blood pressure increases as you age, so it is important to have it checked routinely. With complications like heart disease and stroke, this is a simple screening that can make a world of difference, and diet and exercise can play a big role in lowering risk for complications.
6. Cholesterol. High cholesterol can also lead to heart disease and stroke. Looking at the complete picture – HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and Triglycerides – can help your physician define a plan that will work best for you to control your levels, in addition to your diet and exercise. Adults over age 20 should have a blood panel run every 5 years.
7. Blood glucose. With an estimated 1/3 of Americans having diabetes and not knowing it, and diabetes ranking 7th as a cause of death, this screening is becoming more and more important. For those with normal risk, the recommendation is to be tested every 3 years starting at age 45. Weight can increase your risk for developing diabetes, so earlier testing may be essential for some.
8. ELISA. ELISA is the first test for detecting HIV, the virus that causes Aids. While there is still no cure, screening can prevent the spread of the disease and early treatment with anti-HIV medications may help the body fight the virus.
9. Colonoscopy. The screening for colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer in women (after breast and lung), is recommended for those with average risk starting at age 50. Polyps, which can turn into cancer in the future, can be removed during the screening.
10. Eye Exam. A screening for Glaucoma can be included in an eye exam. It’s a disease that affects the optic nerve and can cause blindness. All adults are recommended to have an eye exam that includes a test for Glaucoma every 3 to 5 years.

So today, as you are writing out the infamous to-do list, add a line to call for an appointment if you are due for any of these critical screenings! You won’t regret it!

Women's Health: Cancer Screenings

With October celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness month, and pink ribbons and paraphernalia all around us, it is hard not to think about our risk for disease and what we can do to prevent it.  The American Cancer Society says, “If Americans ate a healthy, balanced diet that emphasized plant foods and helped maintain a healthy weight, as many as one-third of all cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented." 

The ACS also supports and informs us of studies that show physical activity’s benefits and contributions towards reducing risk of cancer.  In addition to diet and exercise though, we can still take action in maintaining our health and preventing cancer from becoming deadly.  Cancer Screening means checking for a disease when there are no signs or symptoms.  Sometimes waiting for the signs to show up is too late – so take action for your health!  Review the top 4 screenings for women’s health below, and make your appointment today.

1. Pap Smear screening for Cervical Cancer – Cervical Cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer death for women.  Over the past 40 years, the CDC reports the number of cases and deaths have decreased significantly, large due to the screening, which can catch abnormal cells before they turn into cancer.  Women should begin with this screening about 3 years after becoming sexually active, or by age 21.  This screening is done every 1-2 years, depending on the type of test.  This screening tests for abnormal cells only, and may require further testing if abnormal results occur. 


2. Mammogram for Breast Cancer – Prior to age 40, it is recommended that women perform self breast exams to be familiar with how your breasts feel and to report any changes right away.  Your doctor can also perform a breast exam at the time of your pap smear screening.  At age 40+, women should schedule an annual mammogram for a more detailed screening for breast cancer.


3. Colonoscopy for Colon Cancer – There are a variety of screenings for colon cancer.  Speak with your doctor about the one that makes the most sense for you.  This screening should be held once you turn 50 years old.  Examples of screenings include: Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy, Double contrast barium enema, or CT colonography. 


4. Clinical Exam for Skin Cancer – It is important to look over your skin for abnormal or changing areas, especially moles.  This can usually be done during a regular health checkup.  Follow this link for great tips on self examination, along with a chart for mole mapping.

A few more resources for Women's Health screenings:
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/statistics/   http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/InformationforHealthCareProfessionals/FactSheets/index