Published Originally in the Utah Statesman on Feb. 20, 2008
By JP Parrish
Staff Writer
General
Dentist
Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.
Eye Exam
If you have vision problems, have an eye exam every two years.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a test that allows a doctor to look at the inner lining of a large intestine (rectum and colon). A thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope is used to look at the colon. A colonoscopy helps find ulcers, polyps, tumors and areas of inflammation or bleeding. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples can be collected (biopsy), and abnormal growths can be taken out. Colonoscopy can also be used as a screening test to check for cancer or pre-cancerous growths in the colon or rectum (polyps).
Dr. Linda J. Roberts, nurse practitioner at the USU Student Health and Wellness Center, said she recommends a colonoscopy first at age 50. An earlier test may be necessary if colon cancer is present in the family, she said.
FEMALES
Breast Self-Exam
This is a simple procedure to help detect breast lumps and is a good way to learn what breasts should normally look and feel like. When a woman knows what is normal for herself, she is better able to notice changes and know when to get help early. A breast self-exam is a tool to use on a regular basis, but it is not a substitute for a mammogram or a clinical breast exam. Roberts said a breast self-exam should be conducted monthly.
Clinical Breast Exam
During a clinical breast exam, a doctor will carefully feel a woman's breasts and under her arms to check for lumps or other unusual changes. Roberts said she recommends such exams for women beginning around age 26 or 28. These exams should take place every two years.
Mammogram
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. It can often find tumors too small to be noticed. A doctor may suggest a woman have a screening mammogram, especially if the woman has any risk factors for breast cancer.
A woman should have a mammogram at age 40 or sooner, Roberts said. If a first-line relative, like a mother or a sister, has a history or breast cancer, Roberts said the mammogram should begin at age 30 or earlier. Begin exams at the same age that the relative began to see symptoms, she said.
Gynecological
A gynecological exam may be done as part of a routine checkup or to determine whether someone has genital warts or other sexually transmitted diseases. Roberts said she recommends a pelvic exam with a pap smear beginning at age 21 to 23 or within the first two years of becoming sexually active. Also, a vaccine to prevent HPV is available as of August 2006. Since 50 percent of sexually active women catch this virus in their lives, Roberts said she recommends women between ages of 11 and 26 to receive the vaccine. Both male and females are at risk.
The vaccine is designed to prevent the Papillomavirus, which is a primary cause for cervical cancer.
MALES
Urological
Most abnormalities of the testes are found during a self-examination or routine physical exam by a health professional. If testicular cancer is suspected, a health professional may want to perform other tests.
Roberts said men should begin this at age 21 to 23 and get an exam every two years.
Prostate
If a man has problems urinating, a doctor may use tests to see if he has an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). This condition is the most common cause of urination problems.
Roberts said she recommends beginning routine exams at age 50 and continue getting them every year.
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