October is national breast cancer month.
And although the chance is low for a young woman in her 20s to be diagnosed with the disease, allow this month to heighten your self-awareness of your overall health.
So, take preventive measures and get these five vital examinations—being assured that staying ahead of the game will help to keep you in the game that much longer.
Physical Exam
If you’re like the average healthy 20-something then perhaps you haven’t seen a family practice physician since your mother last dragged you to one. If that’s the case, a complete physical by a family practitioner is the place to start. Once there, your doctor will check your weight and blood pressure, as well as draw blood to test your blood sugar, liver and kidney function and vitamins D and B12 levels among other things. If any health concerns arise then your doctor will refer you to a specialist that can better address the issue(s).
Skin Test
Your next dermatological visit should go beyond the treatment of any unwanted acne. Because melanoma is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women ages 25-29—the group that mostly frequent tanning beds—scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist and having him or her test for skin cancer is vital. In the meantime, experts stress the importance of wearing sunblock in order to protect the body’s biggest organ from the harmful rays of the sun.
STD Test
It’s recommended that a young woman should see her gynecologist every year and if she is sexually active, then at least twice a year. Every six months you should get tested for sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
However, take note that the number of times you get tested should not be set in stone. As a general rule of practice, it’s best to get tested for STDs every time you start a new relationship. It is crucial to know your status and the status of your partner.PAP Test
Experts recommend that testing for cervical cancer begin at the age of 21. In the vast majority of cases, cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus and HPV is caused by sexual intercourse. So, if I’ve never had sex before, do I still need to worry about cervical cancer? The answer is yes. Although you are at a much lower risk of developing cervical cancer—due to never having had the sexual transmitted infection, there are other factors that can put you at risk like family history and smoking. The CDC recommends vaccines for HPV up until the age of 26 if you’ve never been vaccinated as a child.
Dental Exam
This made the list because many young adults mistakenly skip going to the dentist in the absence of mouth discomfort. Let’s face it; no one likes that big cold chair. However, a dental exam can spot a problem before you even realize there is one. Many dental problems don’t cause pain or even become visible until they have already caused significant damage—such as cavities, gum disease and even oral cancer. A dental exam can also yield a problem going on in other areas of your body that you may not even be aware of. If you’re a nonsmoker, the ADA recommends visiting the dentist one to two times per year.
We recognize the anxiety in visiting the doctor at times but it’s necessary for the maintenance of good health. Practicing good health while you’re young means enjoying a long and healthy life in your golden years.
(Feature Photo via ABC News)