Keeping Fit and Healthy

The Most Important Cancer Screening Tests for Women

8 June 2022 by Mildred Dixon

As a woman, it's important to be mindful of your health and take the necessary precautions to stay healthy. This includes undergoing regular screening tests.

You need to know what tests you should get and when. Here are two of the most important screening tests that you should add to your list.

A Mammogram

A mammogram is a type of x-ray that can help detect breast cancer in its early stages. It's recommended that women over the age of 40 get a mammogram at least every year since the risk of breast cancer increases with age.

If you have a family history of breast cancer, you might have to schedule a mammogram earlier and more frequently. Your doctor will be able to advise you on how often you should get a mammogram based on your individual risk factors.

Mammograms come with some risks, such as false positives and exposure to radiation. However, the benefits of early detection outweigh the risks.

While mammograms are an important screening tool for breast cancer, they're not always 100% accurate. Breast cancer can sometimes be missed on a mammogram, so you need to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a lump, discharge, or change in size or shape, be sure to bring it up with your doctor. They can determine if you need further testing.

Pap Smears

A pap smear is a test that can detect changes in the cervix cells. The changes can sometimes be an early sign of cervical cancer.

It's recommended that women start getting pap smears at age 21. The frequency of the Pap smear depends on your age and health history, but it's generally recommended to get one every three to five years.

If you have a positive pap smear, it doesn't always mean you have cancer. It just means that there are changes in your cervical cells that need to be monitored. Your doctor will likely recommend follow-up testing to see if the changes progress.

Like mammograms, pap smears come with some risks. There is a small chance of false positives and false negatives. Additionally, the pap smear can sometimes cause bleeding or cramping.

Despite these risks, the benefits of early detection make pap smears an important screening test for women of childbearing age.

If you're due for a mammogram or pap smear, don't put it off. Schedule an appointment with a women's health doctor today. These screening tests could save your life.

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