Colorado Springs Health Partners: Do I really need to worry about all these tests? – LIVING WELL Magazine

Do I Really Need to Worry About All of These Tests?

By Larry Norfleet, MD, FACOG, Colorado Springs Health Partners, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Colorado Springs LIVING WELL Magazine

From the moment we are born, we have schedules for our health: immunizations, check-ups, physicals, all in the midst of our busy lives. Why all these tests when there is so much else to keep track of? Here’s why:

Pap Tests:

The pap test is 60+ years old and the best early warning for cervical cancer––one of the most treatable cancers with early detection. Genetic susceptibility, sexual exposure, and contact with some viruses may be risk factors. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends a baseline pap test by age 21, (earlier if sexually active) then every two to three years afterwards.

Breast Health: 

Nearly 211,300 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, second only to skin cancer, and it is the leading cause of cancer death in women 40-55 years old. Women over 50 are at higher risk, and approximately 30% of breast cancer patients have a family history.

Performing monthly breast self-exams starting at age 18 is key to early detection. A benchmark mammogram is recommended no later than age 40.

Osteoporosis:                       

Osteoporosis causes bones to slowly deteriorate and affects approximately 22 million people. It is a source of pain, stooped posture and one million fractures annually.

Risk factors include:

  • female
  • aging
  • family history
  • Caucasian
  • early menopause
  • steroid medication use
  • smoking

Calcium and weight-bearing exercise when young helps prevent osteoporosis. A baseline bone density scan at 65, or 50 for high risk women, is recommended. When detected early, exercise, estrogen replacement therapy, calcium supplements and/or medications delay or prevent symptom onset.

Heart Disease:

Coronary heart disease is the number one killer of women, so regular blood pressure and cholesterol screenings are important. A history of heart disease, along with being post-menopause, increases risk of heart attack and stroke, perhaps due to the loss of estrogen. Diet modification, exercise, stress management, and quitting smoking can reduce risk.

Colon Cancer:

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in women with over 90% of the cases in people over age 50. Exact causes are not known, but it is more common in people over 65 and those with a family history, especially if their relative was younger.

Colon cancer screening is recommended for anyone over age 50. Different screening methods are available but a colonoscopy is the most widely recommended.

As you get older, be alert to any changes in the way your body feels and functions and discuss them with your physician. Often, a potentially serious illness starts with minor, easier to treat symptoms. Taking care of yourself is as easy as fitting it into your schedule!

You may reach CSHP at 719-630-5555.