As part of Women’s month, promoting women’s health and highlighting several health issues affecting women worldwide is important. Many women seek medical evaluation only when an issue arises, rather than using regular evaluations as part of preventative measures against various health conditions.
If that happens to be you, here are two medical assessments you should never forget to do:
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Pap Smears
This involves the use of a small brush to remove cells from around the cervix. It’s usually recommended by doctors to repeat Pap testing every three years for women ages 21 to 65. According to Mayo Clinic, women aged 30 and older can consider Pap testing every five years if the procedure is combined with testing for HPV.
Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear increases your chances of getting cured. A Pap smear can also detect changes in your cervical cells that indicate the development of cancer in the future.
It’s also important to note that if you have certain risk factors, you may be recommended to do more frequent Pap smears, regardless of your age. As a result, it is critical to have regular Pap smears to prevent the development of cervical cancer.
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Mammograms
Another important assessment for women is to do regular mammograms. Every day Health defines a mammogram as an examination that screens for breast cancer by compressing the breast between plates so that X-ray images of the breast tissue can be captured.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. It also advises women who are 40 to 49 years old to talk to their doctor or other healthcare providers about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.
On the other hand, medical experts suggest that women with a family history of breast cancer or who have known risk factors should begin mammograms before the age of 40.
There are different guidelines when it comes to doing these medical examinations because several factors can determine the age to begin these screenings. Early detection provides better treatment options. So, consult with your doctor about the best guideline and screening schedule for you.
While you should seek medical attention if you have a family history of certain diseases or health concerns, you should also prioritize regular medical assessments as preventative measures to benefit your overall well-being.
