Reproductive Health-Prevention Care
Mica Vitug
Mammograms
A mammogram searches women/men (mostly women) and checks if they have breast cancer. Women would not have any benefit if they have a mammogram before the age of 40. Breast Cancer is a type of caner that occurs in the breast. It is formed when cells in that part of the body "grow out of control" (American Cancer Society). Women should get their mammogram screening at least once a year. "Hormones seem to play a role in many cases of breast cancer" (American Cancer Society). There is not a certain way to prevent breast cancer. You can lower your risk for breast cancer by physical activity as well as eating an enriched diet.
Pap Smears
A pap smear tells if there is anything wrong with a female's cervix. "Infections, abnormal cells that may develop into cancer..." (Kids Health). Teens don't necessarily need to have a pap smear, but once a female turns 21 they should be getting them pretty regularly. "Women between the ages of 21 and 30 a Pap smear should be done every 3 years" (Dr. Martin Immerman). Women overweight and women who have Chlamydia are a few causes to getting cervical cancer as well as women who have HIV. To prevent cervical cancer, doctor's would need to find and identify the pre-cancer stage and treat it immediately.
Testicle Exams
Testicle Exams is a way from men to check their testicles to make sure there aren't any odd bumps on them. Testicular Cancer is a "common cancer in males between the age of 15 and 35" (Teens Health). Testicle exams should be apart of every general check up for males. Males can perform the exam themselves or a doctor could do it apart of their general check up. Some causes of testicular cancer are HIV infection, family history of testicular cancer, an undescended testicle and being a certain ethnicity or race. You can prevent testicular cancer by not having traumatizing physical activity that used your testicles.
Prostate Exams
Prostate Exams are exams that help screen for Prostate Cancer. Prostate cancer occurs in the male's glands. Prostate cancer is mostly found in men. "Organizations that do not recommend PSA screening generally encourage the test in men between the ages of 45 and 70" (Mayo Clinic). Men should get a Prostate Exam every 4 years. DNA cells changing in the prostate cell. "The effect of body weight, physical activity, and diet on prostate cancer are not clear" (American Cancer Society).