(If youre looking for the same information for men,weve covered that here.)
The key word here isrecommendations.
Not aftera quick perusal of the internet.
Manual breast exams
What is it?
The manual breast exam looks for signs and symptoms of a number of breast problems, including cancer.
The goal is to identify signs early on so you might catch any problems before they progress.
Your doctor starts by checking your breasts for rashes, skin dimpling or other abnormal changes.
What does it feel like?
Like someone is kneading your breast and moving your arms around as if youre a wax figure.
Not painful, but awkward in thatwhere am I supposed to be looking right now?kind of way.
Also, doctors usually have cold hands.
When should I get it?
Doctors now recommend that you practice breast self-awareness.
Breasts come in all shapes, sizes and consistencies; know your personal normal.
Mammograms
A mammogram is an X-ray of your breast, designed to detect breast cancer.
It is the only imaging techniqueshowntoreducebreast cancer mortality.
I havent had the pleasure yet, so I crowdsourcedthis question on mammograms.
The most common response was like your breast is in a vice.
General consensus is that the 10-15 minute test is definitely unpleasant, but less so than breast cancer.
Those screenings should continue as long as youre expected to live 10 years or longer.
Its a blood test, so it feels like a needle prick.
The FDA and CDC both caution against the use of home screening tests.
Pelvic examination
The pelvic exam is the physical exam portion of your visit to the gynecologist.
The pelvic examincludes an external examinationand abimanual examination.
During the bimanual exam, two fingers are inserted into your vagina to assess your cervix.
The doctor will also examine your uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes by pressing down on your abdomen.
Pretty much exactly like it sounds.
Your doctor inserts fingers into your vagina and applies pressure to your lower abdomen.
Its not exactly a life highlight, but should not be painful.
In part of a running theme, if the speculum is metal, it might be cold.
Sometimes your doctor will warn you; sometimes it will be an unwelcome surprise.
As with many of these guidelines, it depends on who you ask.
TheAmerican College of Obstetrics and Gynecology(ACOG)recommends annual pelvic exams beginning at age 21.
At the time, cervical cancerwas the number one cause of death in women.
It aims to identify any cervical changes in the precancerous stage, before they develop into cervical cancer.
For the test, aspeculumis inserted into your vagina to give the doctor visual and physical access to yourcervix.
Your gynecologist will use a small spatula andbrushto take a sample of your cervical cells.
The discomfort is fleeting.
In the past five years, guidelines have changed to recommend less frequent screenings.
HPV infection in a young, sexually active woman will likely self resolve without treatment.
There are vaccinesGardasil and Cervarixthat protect against the cancer and genital wart causing strains of HPV.
This is a vaccine that prevents cancer.
If you are eligible and havent had it, go get it.
There are actually a few methods of testing for colorectal cancer, each with a different screening recommendation.
As for the mammogram, I had to outsource this question.
For thecolonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy prep, the almost universal responses were, I dont want to talk about it.
Theres just so much poop.
For the colonoscopy itself, most people are sedated so you will have no memory of the experience.
Because the sigmoidoscope does not travel as far up the digestive tract, patients are awake through that procedure.
This was described like someone is snaking a pipe…only its your rectum.
This feels exactly as it sounds.
For thefecal immunochemical test(FIT), you will collect samples of your own stool.
This is painless, but kind of gross.
ACS recommendsfour screening optionsfor low risk women.
In all cases, if a test is positive, further exam via colonoscopy is required.
Doctors recommend screening beginning at age 50 or age 45 for African Americans.
TheAmerican College of Gastroenterology(ACG) emphasizes that their preferred screening test for polyps and canceris a colonoscopy.
It is a common consequence of decreased estrogen levels during menopause.
Thats where thebone mineral density screeningcomes in.
Bone density is measured by an x-ray that determines the level of calcium and other minerals in your bones.
The bone density test is an x-ray, typically of your hip and spine.
Unlike almost every other preventive test on women, this time you get to keep your clothing on.
The USPSTF and ACOGrecommend screening for women age 65 and olderwith no previous fractures or secondary causes of osteoporosis.
Regular screening and early treatment remains your best bet for reaching (or outliving!)
Further information on insurance and screening can be foundhere.
Other specific testing companiescan help also.
TheColorectal Cancer Control Programoffers colonoscopies for the underinsured.
If there is no program near you, try reaching out tothe American Cancer Societyat 1-800-ACS-2345.
you’re free to also call your local health department for suggestions.
Beyond these, talk to your primary care physician or health care provider.
