Preventative Health
By: Alex Solomon
Mammograms
What: X-ray images of the breasts, used to detect tumors that can't be felt. It also can be used to check for breast cancer.
When: If there is any type of lump present, a mammogram should be done regardless of age, but otherwise it is wise for women to start getting mammograms done at the age of 40.
How often: It is recommended that women at 40 start to have mammograms every two years, up until the mid-70's.
- Causes of breast cancer are unknown, but we do know that it is a mutation in your genes.
- Risk factors for breast cancer include women over the age of 40, and a family history of breast cancer.
- There is no way to prevent breast cancer.
- Diet, and overall health can lower the chance of getting breast cancer.
Pap Smears
What: A test that requires a sample of mucus from the cervix; This test can identify infections, and abnormal cells, that could later turn into cervical cancer.
When: Women should start having this done at the age of 21
How often: It is recommended that pap tests are done every three years until the age of about 65.
- You get cervical cancer if you have sexual contact with someone who has HPV, and then that person passes it on to you.
- There are only a few ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Avoiding sexual contact, and not smoking are two ways to decrease the risk of cervical cancer by a lot.
Testicular Exams
What: An exam that tests for testicular cancer, by having young men check for lumps in their testicles.
When: Tests should start at the age of 15, although it is rare for someone that young to get testicular cancer.
How often: About once a month, young men should check for lumps, up until the age of about 35.
- Testicular cancer occurs when healthy cells in the testicles are altered. It always starts in the germ cells, where immature sperm are produced.
- There is no way to prevent testicular cancer, but it helps to catch it early on. Risk factors include family history, age, and abnormalities with testicle development.
Prostate Exams
What: Tests for Prostate Cancer in the prostate gland beneath the bladder
When: Men 45 years old should start having tests.
How often: Prostate exams should be done every year
- There are no exact causes of Prostate cancer, but risk factors are age, family history, and diet.
- A change in DNA in the Prostate cells result in this cancer.
- There are no proven ways to prevent prostate cancer, but eating healthy, maintaining healthy weight, and exercise, are all ways to lower your risk of prostate cancer.
Citations
When should women start regular mammograms? 40? 50? And how often is "regular"?- http://www.stopcancerfund.org/p-breast-cancer/2012-update-when-should-women-start-regular-mammograms-40-50-and-how-often-is-regular/
Pap Smears- http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/pap-smears.html
Pap Test- http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/pap-smear
How do perform a Testicular Self-Examination- http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/guys/tse.html
Prostate Exams- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/in-depth/prostate-cancer/art-20048087?pg=2
Prostate Cancer Health Center- http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/guide/prostate-cancer-digital-rectal-exam
What are the risk factors for breast cancer? - http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-risk-factors
Cervical Cancer Health Center- http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/understanding-cervical-cancer-prevention
Testicular Cancer- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-cancer/basics/risk-factors/con-20043068
What is Prostate Cancer- http://cancer.about.com/od/prostatecancer/a/prostate_ca.htm
Prostate Cancer- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/in-depth/prostate-cancer-prevention/art-20045641