Essential screening tests for women
SCREENING involves doing tests to detect diseases early, and in some cases to discover whether you are at risk for certain illnesses. Its import lies in the age-old adage that prevention is better than cure. For example, finding out that you have high blood pressure early may allow you to make changes in your life to avoid being on multiple medications, and even complications such as heart attacks and strokes.
Dr Ryan Halsall, obstetrician-gynaecologist (ObGyn), says while doctors don’t go around screening for every possible condition, as it’s neither cost-effective nor beneficial to the population, their aim as physicians is to target the most common conditions that have the biggest impact on society.
As a result, he says the following usual screenings done by physicians on women include: cancer screening (cervical, breast, colon); STD screening; chronic illnesses (hypertension, diabetes, heart disease); and osteoporosis screening.
Dr Halsall says it is far better to detect cancer before it spreads.
“Treatment is easier and survival rates are far better. Cervical cancer screening should begin by at least age 21, and involves a simple Pap smear. This should be done at least every three years, unless directed by your ObGyn. Breast cancer screening has no set starting age, and you should visit your physician for advice on when to start. Self-examination for lumps can be done at any age and should be done monthly, in addition to yearly exams by your doctor,” he said, while adding that mammograms and ultrasounds are the gold standard for breast cancer screening.
Dr Halsall says colon cancer screening should also be encouraged after age 50, and it is done by passing a tiny camera up the back passage to examine the entire colon for suspicious areas.
But he says that as scary as cancer is, you are more likely to die from complications relating to chronic diseases, and as such having your blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol and heart checked out on a regular basis is essential.
“This is achieved with a simple office visit and a trip to the lab for blood tests. Some doctors even have rapid tests in their offices to check cholesterol and blood sugar,” he said.
With regards to screening for STDs, Dr Halsall says this is often overlooked by patients and even some physicians, but it is very important.
“The burden of HIV on the population is significant. As with all diseases, HIV is easier to control and prevent a spread when diagnosed early. Checks for other STDs, like chlamydia and mycoplasma, that may be present without signs or symptoms should also be done. If left untreated, they can cause tubal damage with subsequent chronic pelvic pain and infertility,” he said.
He says osteoporosis is another under-screened disease. This condition involves the weakening of the bones — a nature-driven process.
“Having osteoporosis means it’s easier to break your hands with even the slightest of accidents. Now, while we encourage all men and women to increase their calcium intake, screening by doing bone density scanning is still important. It helps us to identify those who need more than just supplements in order to maintain bone strength,” he said.
Dr Halsall further encouraged women to get their routine check-ups, and once you’re uncertain of any condition, visit your gynaecologist who should follow up on the issue.
