Care for Reproductive System
Alex Palzkill
Breast Exam/Mammograms
- Breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Usually consist of two x-ray pictures, or images, of each breast. The x-ray images make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt.
- Used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found.
- Evaluate changes found during a screening mammogram or to view breast tissue when it is difficult to obtain a screening mammogram.
Who should be tested?
Women because it is involving breast cancer.
What age should you begin to exam?
Women have to be 40 years or older.
How often should you get these exams?
Every 2 years.
Pap Smears
1. Any problems with a girl's cervix (the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina)
2. Identify infections and other problems, including abnormal cells that may develop into cancer if they are not treated.
Who should be tested?
Women.
What age should you begin to exam?
Once a girl turns 21, she should start getting regular Pap smears as a way to monitor her health.
How often should you get these exams?
Normal Pap smear results should have the test every 3 years. Some women might need to get tested more often. Ask your doctor.
Testicular Exams
1. Guys to check their own testicles to make sure there aren't any unusual lumps or bumps, which can be the first sign of testicular cancer.
2. Sometimes the testicle is swollen or larger than normal without a lump.
Who should be tested?
Men.
What age should you begin to exam?
Males between the ages of 15 and 35.
How often should you get these exams?
Every month so you can become familiar with the normal size and shape of your testicles, making it easier to tell if something feels different or abnormal in the future.
Prostate Exams
1. Test to look for signs of prostate cancer
2. Feel for any bumps or hard areas on the prostate
Who should be tested?
Men.
What age should you being to exam?
PSA test for prostate cancer may not be necessary for some men, especially men 70 and older.
How often should you get these exams?
Every 4 years.
References
Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund
Do I have testicular cancer? http://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicularcancer/moreinformation/doihavetesticularcancer/do-i-have-testicular-cancer-self-exam