Page 16 - Dainfern Precinct Living issue 7 2022

Health & Wellness

Image: National Cancer Institute

involves a simple prick test or swab of the cheek that can be over a padded box, while a low-dose X-ray machine captures
done at a GP or clinic. images of your bones.
5. PAP SMEAR 8. COLON SCREENING
A pap smear is recommended every three years, starting from The colon should be scanned for cancer from 50 years of age,
the age of 25. Your doctor will take cells from your cervix with and repeated every 10 years after that depending on the
a small brush. These cells are then sent to a lab for analysis. individual’s risk factors. It can be done at the doctor’s surgery
There they will look for changes or abnormalities that may or in hospital by way of a sigmoidoscopy where a lit tube and
lead to cervical cancer. camera are inserted in the anus to examine the lower colon. A
colonoscopy involves a longer tube that examines the entire
6. MAMMOGRAM colon. Your doctor will advise on how often it should be done.
This is a screening tool for breast cancer, which involves
compressing the breast between plates so that X-ray images 9. SKIN CHECKS
can be taken. “As you age, your risk of developing breast In SA, about 20 000 cases of skin cancer are reported annually,
cancer increases. Women should start annual screenings at which makes it the most common cancer in the country.
age 40 and can then switch to biannual screenings at age 55. Therefore, self-examinations should be done monthly at home
However, if you have a family history of breast cancer, then to check for any new moles or changes to existing moles. If
talk to your doctor about starting screenings earlier,” Jennings you find anything out of the ordinary with a mole, rather have
advises. it checked out by a GP or dermatologist.

It's also recommended that you do monthly self-examinations 10. DENTAL CHECKS
at home where you can check for lumps, bumps or any Regular dental check-ups can prevent plaque build-up,
changes. cavities and gum disease, which makes seeing the dentist at
least once a year a must.
7. BONE DENSITY
To screen for osteoporosis (a disease that weakens the bones), DON’T PROCRASTINATE
a bone density test is recommended for women from age 65, “Don’t put off making a doctor’s appointment for yourself
but women with risk factors, such as fractures or low body because you’re too busy taking care of everyone else,” says
weight, should be screened earlier. The frequency of the test Jennings. “Taking care of yourself should be at the top of your
varies depending on bone density, but your doctor will be list, not last. If you’re not taking care of your own health, how
able to advise you on how often you should have it done. The are you supposed to take care of others? Putting your health
test requires you to lie flat on a table with your legs positioned first isn’t selfish, it’s essential!”

22 DPL issue 5 2022issue 7 2022
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