Reproductive Health
Tayler Wilson
Mammograms
Mammograms are x-rays taken of the breasts. Both men and women can develop breast cancer. There are two types of mammograms, screening and diagnostic. Screening x-rays are taken if there are no signs or symptoms. These x-rays show tumors that cannot be felt. Diagnostic mammograms are taken if the patient has signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Before you go to get a mammogram you can give yourself a breast exam just feeling for lumps or unusual changes. Mammograms are taken every 2 years between the ages of 50 and 74.
Pap Smears
Pap Smears are medical tests taken by a doctor who uses a small brush to get a sample of the mucus in cervix to test if the patient has any infections or abnormal cells that may lead to cancer. Men do not get pap smears because they don't have a cervix only females do. Teens don't usually get pap smears unless recommended by a doctor. Females normally start getting pap smears starting at age 21 and then continue to get one every three years.
Testicular Exams
Testicular Exams are self-exams of the testicles. Only males have testicles. When giving your self a testicular exam you are looking for unusually lumps or bumps. You should give yourself an exam every month starting after puberty. If you do feel any unusually lumps it doesn't mean its cancer but you should contact your doctor.
Prostate Exams
Prostate exams test to see if you have prostate cancer. Usually a doctor performs the exam but you can do it yourself. only males can get prostate cancer. You can get an exam at any age, but usually men between the ages of 40 to 70.
Citations
http://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/mammograms-fact-sheet
http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/pap-smears.html
http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/tse.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/in-depth/prostate-cancer/art-20048087
http://www.healthline.com/health/getting-physical-examination#Uses2