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A AMC MAGA Z I N E | S P R I NG
Learn what steps you can take to prevent cancer with our free
Preventing Cancer
booklet. Visit
askAAMC.org/Magazine
or call
-
-
.
Healthier U
Check up
on your health
A little prevention goes a long way
Don’t let illness sneak up
on you. Paying attention
to your health, even
when you feel ne, can
make staying well easier
in the long term.
“Regular screening
tests and checkups with a
primary care provider are
good ways to take control of your health,”
says Susan Shultz, CRNP. ese exams
can make it easier to spot problems early,
when treatment is often more e ective.
ey might even prevent a problem from
developing in the rst place.
Before your checkup, you should review
your family medical history. Your primary
care provider (PCP) will want to know if
close relatives had health conditions such
as heart trouble, stroke, diabetes, or cancer.
“Also, tell your PCP about any changes
in your own health,” says Susan. “ at
includes new lumps, skin changes, pain,
dizziness, sleep problems, and changes in
eating, bowel or urinary habits.”
Your PCP can then recommend which
preventive health services and screenings
you should have and when you should
have them.
To nd out which screenings are
recommended for you, make an
appointment to see your PCP.
Sources: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality;
American Heart Association
Need a doctor? Let us help you nd one that meets your needs.
Visit
askAAMC.org/FindaDoc
or call
- -
.
Attend our
free
live show, docsTALK, on Thursday,
April , at pm to learn more about screenings.
Register online at
AAMCdocsTALK.com
or
call
- -
.
Spring Screenings
Right test. Right time.
Know what tests are right for you and when.
Looking for Cancer:
Learn what screenings are available to detect cancer when it is
still treatable, with Stephen Cattaneo, MD, thoracic surgeon.
Knowing Your Heart:
Know what your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers are
telling you about your heart, with Jonathan Altschuler, MD, interventional cardiologist.
Understanding Healthy:
Understand tests for diabetes, osteoporosis, and
other health screenings and immunizations, with Gillian Lowe, MD, primary
care physician.
SCREENING
TESTS
by age for
WOMEN
Have a Pap test every 3 years, starting at 21.
CERVICAL CANCER
Test yearly through age 24, if sexually active.
CHLAMYDIA
Start screening at least every 2 years.
BLOOD PRESSURE
Start screening every 4 to 6 years.
CHOLESTEROL
Have a clinical breast exam every 3 years.
BREAST CANCER
Continue screening, depending on risk factors.
CHLAMYDIA
Have a Pap test plus an HPV test every
5 years (preferred) or a Pap test every 3 years.*
CERVICAL CANCER*
Ask your doctor about screening.
DIABETES
If you have a history of smoking, start screening
at age 55 and continue until age 80. Ask your
doctor about your risk factors.
LUNG
Have a clinical breast exam and mammogram
every year.
BREAST CANCER
Start screening at least every 3 years.
DIABETES
Beginning at age 50 and continuing until age 75.
Talk to your doctor about screening options.
COLORECTAL CANCER
Start screening, depending on your risk factors.
OSTEOPOROSIS
20
25
30
40
45
50
65
*Women who have been screened regularly and
had normal results can stop screening at age 65.
Sources: American Cancer Society; American Heart Association;
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease;
National Osteoporosis Foundation; Of ce on Women's Health
These recommendations are for most women.
Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.
Susan
Shultz, CRNP