Reproductive Systme Care
By Kathryn Stewart
Breast Exams/ Mammograms
Mammograms are x-rays that doctors look at to determine if a woman has breast cancer. To determine this they look for lumps in the breast, that can not be felt by hand. These lumps can be tumors or deposits of calcium both will indicate the presence of breast cancer. Women over the age 40 should get mammograms once a year. Sometimes women might need to start getting them early or more often if they have a family history of cancer.
Pap Smears
Pap smears are test to determine if there is anything unusual with a woman's cervix. To determine this doctors will take a sample of mucus from the cervix which is then sent to the lab and tested to see if there is abnormality with the cells. Women age 21 and older should get pap smears, some women might get them early if their doctor thinks they need it. Women should get a pap smear once every 3 years.
Testicular Exams
Testicular exams are a test to determine if a guy has testicular cancer. To determine this the presents of lumps or swelling is checked for. Men who are older than 15 years should have these done once a month. This is so they are familier with their testicals and can detcet quickly if there is something wrong.
Prostate Exams
Prostate exams are test to see if a man has prostate cancer. A sign the doctor looks for are lumps or increased PSA in the blood stream of the prostate. Men between 40 and 70 are recommended to have one done once a year.
Citations
Mammograms http://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/mammograms-fact-sheet
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=mammo
Pap Smears http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/pap-smears.html
Testicular exams http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/tse.html
Prostate cancer screening http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/in-depth/prostate-cancer/art-20048087