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Birth
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Breast Cancer-Self Exam
I could find lumps in my breasts while doing self-examination. Normally women find it on accident but some lumps are noncancerous while others are cancerous. Women should start doing self-examination of breasts in their early 20's. -
Breast Cancer- Clinical Breast Exam
Another test for breast cancer I would need to get done is a clinical breast exam. This test entails a physical examination of not only the breast but underarm and collarbone by a doctor/health professional. CBE’s are used to find any lumps or growths in the breast that could lead to cancer. I would need to get this test in my 20’s through my 30’s. Testing should occur every 3 years pretty much until I start getting mammograms. -
Cervical Cancer-Pap Test
I should get a Pap test starting at about age 21-29. Papanicolaou test is a screening technique used to discover pre-cancerous and cancerous cells in the endocervical canal. A Pap test tries to find any abnormal cells growth. A speculum is used to open the vaginal canal to make it easier to collect cells from the cervix and uterus. I should get a Pap smear test done every 3 to 5 years. If there are any abnormalities they can be done every year. At 65 years old, testing can stop. -
Cervical Cancer-HPV Test
I should get a HPV test starting at the age 30-65. This test looks for the presence of human papillomavirus that could lead to genital warts and cervical cancer. HPV test tries to find the virus that causes any abnormal cell growth. The procedure is the same as a Pap smear test, the only difference is a computerized system looks at cervical cells. If there are abnormalities with the Pap smear test, I could get the HPV test done earlier than 30.This test should done every 5 years. Stop at age 65 -
Breast Cancer-Mammogram
Another test for breast cancer starting in my 40’s would be a mammogram. This test uses low-energy X-rays to look for abnormal growths/masses in breasts. If anything irregular is found, an ultrasound can be done to check further into the problem to make sure breast cancer isn’t forming. Until I reach late 60’s to early 70’s I should have a mammogram done every two to three years. -
Cancer/Polyp
A test for overall cancer or polyps is the fecal occult blood test. This test is taken during the time of a colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy which is around 50 years of age. During the test I would have my fecal matter examined to look for any blood in my stool. I would have to do this yearly but my doctor would give me a kit to do it at home and send them to the lab to examine. -
Polyps-Colonoscopy
Another test for polyps is a colonoscopy. During this test the doctor would look at my large intestine and large and small bowels. Instead of using a sigmoscope, this test uses a colonoscope once again with a camera at the end of the scope. A colonoscope looks for ulcers, polyps, and inflammation. The tube that is inserted can collect cells from the lining and be tested further within than a Sigmoidoscopy. I would get this test done at the age of 50 and have to have it done every 10 years after. -
Polyp-Sig
One test for Polyps is a Sigmoidoscopy. A Sigmoidoscopy is where a gastroenterologist inserts a lubricated finger into a rectum and checks for any blockages in the anus. Next, the surgeon would insert a flexible tube with a camera at the end to look at the blown up with air colon and large intestine and rectum. Samples may be taken by the flexible tube, these samples test for polyps and heat can remove these polyps. I would start at about age 50 and get it done every 5 years. -
Uterine Cancer
To test for uterine cancer I must do an endometrial biopsy. This is a test where cells are taken from the lining of the uterus and looked at under a microscope for any abnormal growth. Endometrial biopsies look for cancer or overgrowth of the uterine lining. This test should be done if I have a weird menopause thus meaning around 51 years old I could go in for this test if there are any irregularities. Otherwise there are no further check up dates. -
Death
