Critical Health Assessments To Have Done Before You Have Serious Problems

For some reason, many of us do not focus on our health until something is wrong. Many conditions are avoidable or treatable when detected early, which is why regular assessments and check-ups are so important. No one should wait until serious symptoms develop before they seek routine medical attention. With this in mind, the following are some critical health assessments everyone should have on a routine basis before serious problems develop.

Breast Exams

Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed among American women. Luckily, when cancer is caught early, the rate of survival is high. Once breast cancer reaches stage 1, the five-year survival rate is approximately ninety-eight percent. Of course, as cancer progresses, it becomes harder and harder to treat.

Although the doctor should examine their patient's breasts once a year during a physical examination, this is something patients can also do in the privacy of their home, at least once every month. If a woman finds anything abnormal, they should seek a clinical breast exam, as well as a possible mammogram. The earlier signs of breast cancer are detected, the greater the chance women have of beating it.

Early Cervical Cancer Detection

Women over twenty-one years old should get screened on a bi-annual basis for cervical cancer. With regular screening, this form of cancer is almost entirely preventable. A simple Pap test or HPV test is fast and efficient, helping women protect their present and future health.

It is important to note some women are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer and related conditions than others. If women have a weakened immune system, were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth, have been infected with HPV, or experience genital warts that are difficult to treat, they may want to get screened on an annual basis. This discussion is one all women should have with their doctor.