The Importance of Regular Mammograms and Pap Tests
Having regular mammograms and Pap tests could save your life. I will give you an overview of each test, explaining the importance of having it done regularly. When it comes to health, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Mammograms
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast, done to check for any abnormalities. Less women are dying from breast cancer, mainly due to early screening and treatment. The National Cancer Institute recommends annual or biannual mammograms to women who are 40 and older.
I am in my 30s and I have already had one mammogram. My gynecologist found cysts in one of my breasts. He stated they were from my high caffeine intake. Still, I was uneasy and scheduled an appointment with my primary care physician. She agreed that it was probably nothing to worry about, but she put in a referral for a mammogram just to be sure. The mammogram confirmed everything to be normal which gave me peace of mind. I wouldn't say that having a mammogram is painful, but I would call it uncomfortable. Mammograms can detect cancer, and therefore I think that a little inconvenience and discomfort is well worth enduring.
Pap Test
Pap tests are done to search for changes in the cells of the cervix. They detect cancer or conditions that could become cancerous. Women should begin having Pap tests done at age 21. It is recommended that Pap screenings are performed once every two years, but I have a screening done every year. My insurance pays for annual Pap exams, so I choose to take advantage of that benefit.
Nearly one in four women acquire the types of HPV that are affiliated with cervical cancer. Only one in 1,000 women who get those types of HPV, go on to get cancer. These low numbers are due to the combination of regular Pap tests and safe sex.
Prevention truly is the best medicine there is.
More from Rebecca:
The Dangers of Taking Birth Control Pills
Foods and Supplements to Help Ease PMS and PMDD
Sources:
Personal experience
Web MD
Womens Health.gov
Planned Parenthood
Published by Rebecca Bardelli - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle and Sports
Rebecca is a freelance writer who is passionate about writing. She has been writing for enjoyment most of her life. She has content published on Yahoo News, Yahoo omg!, and Yahoo Sports. She also took j... View profile
- Best Online Weight Loss Support for WomenThere are several weight loss support groups online for women. These are some of the best I know of.
- Where to Get a Free Cervical Cancer Screening TestCervical cancer is the second highest cause of death among American women and it doesn't have to be. A simple test called a Pap smear increases your odds for surviving tremendously. Every sexually active woman in Amer...
- Outsmart Cervical CancerThe American Cancer Society estimates that more than 11,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year! The good news: You can easily protect yourself
- Why You Should Have Cervical Cancer ScreeningThe purpose of Cervical Cancer Screening month is to remind women to get tested for cervical cancer. By getting early screening you are saving yourself a great deal of time and pain, as well as possibly saving your l...
Cervical Cancer and Pregnancy: A Survivor's StoryA story on how a pregnant woman was diagnosed and treated for cervical cancer.
- Health Care Costs Force Women to Skip Mammograms and Pap Tests
- Are You Taking Pap Tests for Granted?
- Tests that Can Detect Cancer Early
- A Girlfriend's Conversation About HPV and Cervical Cancer
- Cancer Health Care Consultants: What to Look for
- Breast Cancer Victim's Husband Speaks Out
- "Go Red for Women" Announce 2009 "National Wear Red Day"