Page 15 - IFV_Issue 8_2022
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a lab for analysis. There they will look for   from 50 years of age, and repeated every
           changes or abnormalities that may lead   10  years  after that depending on  the
           to cervical cancer.               individual’s risk factors. It can be done
                                             at the doctor’s surgery or in hospital by
           6. Mammogram                      way of a sigmoidoscopy where a lit tube
             This is a screening tool for breast   and camera are inserted in the anus to
           cancer, which involves compressing   examine the lower colon. A colonoscopy
           the breast between plates so that X-ray   involves a longer tube that examines the
           images can be taken. “As you age, your   entire colon. Your doctor will advise on
           risk of developing breast cancer increases.   how often it should be done.
           Women should start annual screenings at
           age 40 and can then switch to biannual   9. Skin checks
           screenings at age 55. However, if you   In SA, about 20 000 cases of skin cancer
           have a family history of breast cancer,   are reported annually, which makes it
           then talk to your doctor about starting   the most common cancer in the country.
           screenings earlier,” Jennings advises.  Therefore, self-examinations should be
             It’s  also  recommended that you do   done monthly at home to check for any
           monthly self-examinations at home   new moles or changes to existing moles.
           where you can check for lumps, bumps   If you find anything out of the ordinary,
           or any changes.                   rather have it checked out by a GP or
                                             dermatologist.
           7. Bone density
             To screen for osteoporosis (a disease   10. Dental checks
           that weakens the bones), a bone density   Regular dental check-ups can prevent
           test is recommended for women from   plaque build-up, cavities and gum
           age 65, but women with risk factors, such   disease, which makes seeing the dentist
           as fractures or low body weight, should   at least once a year a must.
           be screened earlier. The frequency of the
           test  varies  depending  on  bone  density,   DON’T PROCRASTINATE
           but your doctor will be able to advise you   “Don’t put off making a doctor’s
           on how often you should have it done.   appointment for yourself because you’re
           The test requires you to lie flat on a table   too busy taking care of everyone else,”
           with your legs positioned over a padded   says Jennings.  “Taking care of yourself
           box, while a low-dose X-ray machine   should be at the top of your list, not last.
           captures images of your bones.    If you’re not taking care of your own
                                             health, how are you supposed to take
           8. Colon screening                care of others? Putting your health first
             The colon should be scanned for cancer   isn’t selfish, it’s essential!”


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