Despite many advances in medicine many women fail to empower themselves to take better care of their health. A number of screening tests have been shown to be associated with improved health. Regular visits to your doctor are important and will allow you to have these tests. In addition, some of these screening tests are offered free of cost by various groups but, sadly, many women fail to make use of these opportunities.
Screening tests
Getting the right screening test at the right time is one of the most important things a person can do for his/her health. Appropriate screenings find diseases early – before you have symptoms – when they are easier to treat. The tests should be age appropriate. A woman and her physician should determine what screening tests are necessary based on age, family history, social history and risk factors.
Tests related to the cardiovascular system
Heart disease affects many women, yet many women fail to take the necessary preventive tests. Having your cholesterol levels done – as well as high density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides at regular intervals – can lead to improved healthcare.
Cholesterol screening every 5 years, starting at age 35, is strongly recommended. You are encouraged to begin screening at age 20 if you smoke, are obese, have diabetes or high blood pressure, or have a family history of heart disease. Treating cholesterol abnormalities can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Blood pressure screening at least every 2 years, in your healthcare professional’s office, is also recommended. The only way to identify hypertension is with blood pressure screenings.
Diabetes is another risk factor for heart disease. If you have a family history of diabetes, or if you are overweight, a blood sugar level or other tests for diabetes are something you should discuss with your healthcare provider.
Tests related to the reproductive system
Various studies have confirmed the need for women to have regular pap smears. There is no doubt that phe pap smear has prevented cervical cancer for many women. A pap test is one of the most important healthcare screening tests for any woman – starting three years after becoming sexually active or by age 21, whichever comes first? Women need regular pap tests to detect any abnormal cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer.
A human papillomavirus (HPV) test may be done as a follow-up to an abnormal pap test. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical cancer. An HPV test can help determine whether one or more high-risk types of HPV caused the abnormal pap test result.
Mammograms
A mammogram is one screening test that is helping in the management of women with breast cancer. All women should discuss, with their healthcare provider, when they should have their mammograms, but it is generally recommended that women aged 45/50 and older should get a mammogram every one or two years. If there is a history of breast cancer in her family, a woman should get her first mammogram 10 years before her relative was diagnosed.
Screening tests for sexually transmitted infections
All women are encouraged to have regular checkups to help in diagnosing sexually transmitted infections. You and your doctor will decided on various screening tests for sexually transmitted infections. There are a number of tests recommended for those women who are sexually active. Top of the list is the test for HIV. This tests is now available at many doctor’s offices in addition to the usually testing sites on the island.
Screening for colorectal cancer
Colon cancer is a common cause of cancer in women and men in Anguilla. The number of women getting colonoscopy has increased recently, but many women are still reluctant to have this screening test. I know this test can be unpleasant sometimes, but you should still have it. A colonoscopy allows a doctor to see and closely inspect the inside of the entire colon (large bowel) for signs of cancer or polyps or small growths that can eventually become cancerous.
Colon cancer is totally preventable and treatable if it is detected early. Some individuals are put off by the preparation for the test. I strongly recommend every woman, and man too, to have this test starting at the age of 50, and then at least every 10 to 15 years if they do not have any risk factors, in which case it will be done more frequently.
Skin examinations
A skin exam is one of the most important healthcare screening tests for both women and men. A number of skin disorders can be detected by have regular skin examinations. Skin cancer is more common in people of Caucasian origin but can occur in other races including black people.
Other screening tests
There are a number of other screening tests that are now available that women can take to improve their health. When to have these tests, and who should have these tests, will depend on a number of factors such as family history, risk factors and other medical disorders that you might have. You and your trusted physician are the best persons to make these decisions. Talk to your doctor today.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB, BS, DGO, MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
