Busy women caring for families while pursuing career goals are notorious for multitasking to keep all the balls in the air. And, that often means not taking time to care for themselves or prioritize their own health.
You’re feeling good, crushing one demanding day after the next and no time for “extras” like health screenings as long as you don’t have any symptoms — sound familiar? If so, it’s time to slow down and consider vital screenings designed to find diseases like cancer before you exhibit any symptoms.
“Screenings for some of the most common cancers affecting women are our first line of defense in preventing cancers and making early diagnosis when they are most treatable,” said Endeavor Health oncologist Elyse Lambiase, MD.
Gold standard screenings endorsed by the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can help find and treat pre-cancers and cancers, including breast, colorectal, cervical and skin cancers, as well as lung cancer in those who have a history of heavy smoking.
“It’s important for women to talk with their physicians and consider their personal risk factors,” said Dr. Lambiase, who also encourages women to embrace a healthy lifestyle. This includes maintaining a healthy weight and diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit, avoiding smoking and all forms of tobacco, and limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption.
General screening guidelines for early detection of cancer in the average-risk woman include:
- Starting at age 21-25: A Pap test and HPV test to check for cervical cancer
- Starting at age 40: Annual breast exam and mammogram to check for breast cancer
- Starting at age 45: Colonoscopy every 10 years or more frequently if polyps are found
- People 50-80 years of age with a history of heavy smoking: An annual low-dose CT lung scan
Genetic tests for women with a family history of cancer can reveal personal risk factors and the need for even more vigilant screening for certain cancers like breast and colorectal, said Dr. Lambiase.
“Screening tests are really the best tools we have to prevent cancer today,” she added.
Annual physical exams with a primary care physician also provide an opportunity to review your family health history and the potential for other important health screenings and lifestyle modifications.
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