The Dreaded Health Screenings We Must Do!

Most things "good for us" are never fun or easy! However, certain health screenings are a MUST in order for early detection and even prevention for most diseases. I am always nagging people to get the recommended yearly exams and I, myself, dread them as much as the next guy. I force myself to go, because I KNOW how beneficial these health screenings are. When any problem is caught early, its much easier to treat than if it has been left to linger and grow for years!

Here are some of the recommended tests that I urge you all to push yourself to do:

- Women should get a "baseline" mammogram done at age 35. They should begin to have a yearly mammogram starting at age 40. If there is a family history of breast cancer, speak to your doctor, as you may need to begin mammogram screenings at an earlier age. Be sure to perform "self breast exams" yourself as often as possble. Report any changes or abnormal findings to your doctor immediately.

- Women should begin getting yearly PAP smears performed about 3 years after they become sexually active, but no later than 21 years of age. An HPV test should also be conducted during the PAP smear test and exam. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor and confirm its being performed.

- Both men and women, at age 50 should have a colonoscopy to screen for colon polyps and/or cancer. If all is clear, you can then follow up with another every 10 years. However, should polyps be discovered during the test, your doctor will discuss with you what your specific follow up will need to be based on the findings therein.

- Men, starting at age 50, should have a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test and rectal exam performed. This screens for prostate cancer. How often you should have this test done will depend on your personal medical and family history and findings on the exam.

- Both men and women, beginning at age 18, should go to their doctor for a yearly "physical." This should include, but not be limited to, complete blood work, including Vitamin D level checks, blood pressure check, possible chest x-ray (depending on personal history), and physical exam.

- Both men and women, beginning at age 18, should go to a dermatologist for a yearly skin examination. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, you may need to go twice a year. You should also do "self skin exams" on yourself and report any changes or abnormalities to your doctor at once.

- Both men and women, starting at a young age, should go to their dentist for a yearly exam. This will not only cover a full check of your teeth, but your gums and tongue as well in order to prevent oral cancer. Some dentists actually recommend coming twice a year for this exam.

No one likes going to the doctor or dentist until there is a problem. But, trust me when I tell you, going BEFORE you have a problem, and trying to prevent one by getting these test performed is MUCH easier than having surgery or chemotherapy and radiation for cancer once its discovered too late.

Prevention and early detection is the key!