Women's Health: Regular Health Screenings Make a Difference
March 2002 — When it comes to women's health, prevention is a powerful tool. Regular screenings are important, even for women who are in good health or do not have a family history of illnesses such as cancer or heart disease.
"Many women neglect to have regular checkups because of their current health status or because women in their family do not have the disease," says Beverly Greenberg, DO, Chief of Staff at Memorial Hospital West. "This can put them at a greater risk, because aspects such as age and lifestyle are hidden factors that can create medical problems in the future."
Risk Factors
Women are more susceptible than men to certain illnesses. The following medical conditions pose a specific threat to women and are targeted by physicians during preventive screenings:
- Breast Cancer
"The most common cancer among women, breast cancer can be a serious health threat if it goes undetected and spreads to other parts of the body," says Dr. Greenberg. "By beginning self breast examination during adolescence, women will be conscious of changes in their breasts. These changes may indicate problems and should be shared with a physician." - Cervical Cancer
Cancer of the cervix claims the lives of more than 4,000 American women every year. Pre-cancerous changes in the cervix can be detected by a Pap smear, an examination of cells from the cervix. Women at the greatest risk for cervical cancer are smokers, those who have had multiple sexual partners and women with a family history of cervical cancer. - Colorectal Cancer
Symptoms of colorectal cancer can range from abdominal pain to weight loss. Colorectal cancer is of greater risk to women with a history of colorectal cancer, but it can be detected early by testing the stool for blood at regular intervals or through exams such as a colonoscopy. - Osteoporosis
"As women get closer to menopause, the depletion of bone mass, and the lack of calcium and exercise, can cause bones to become brittle and fracture," says Dr. Greenberg. "A bone density exam can measure bone mass, and enable a physician to provide appropriate treatment such as dietary changes, exercise or medications."
Raising Awareness
"There are target areas that women of all ages need to be mindful of," says Dr. Greenberg. "Women can improve their health by staying informed — seeing their physician for regular checkups, asking their physician about health screenings and learning more about women's health. Awareness leads to the early diagnosis of medical conditions and can assist in proper treatment."
Regular visits to a physcian are an essential component of preventive care. If you need a referral to a physician, contact the Memorial Healthcare Physician Referral Service at (800) 944-DOCS.
Education and communication are also important tools when it comes to women's health issues. To learn more, please visit the following links:
- Information and Support in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
- A Woman's Guide to Health Checkups
- Experience the Benefits of Strength Training
- Breast Cancer Detection: An Inside Look at Memorial Regional Hospital's
New Breast MRI Biopsy Coil Procedure - For More Information on Women's Health, Visit Our Health Library.