For any illness, be it a mild illness like a cold or a serious illness like cancer/tumor, prevention is much more important than cure. Therefore, “early prevention, early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment” is not empty talk: earlier treatment is started, easier treatment will be, better and more optimistic prognosis will be.

Checking and checking on girlfriends is even more important!

Early screening and screening can help girlfriends "stop" diseases like cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis when they start and when they're easier to treat. Screening can detect diseases before you have symptoms. Certainly. Which tests/screenings you need depends on your age, family history, your own medical history, and other risk factors.

1. Prevention of breast cancer

The earlier breast cancer is detected, higher chances of a cure. Small breast cancer is less likely to spread to lymph nodes and vital organs such as lungs and brain. If you're in your 20s or 30s, some experts recommend having a breast exam every one to three years as part of regular checkups. If you have any additional risk factors (such as smoking), you may need more frequent tests.

Mammography Screening

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that usually detects a tumor before you feel it, although normal results do not completely rule out cancer. Some experts recommend getting a mammogram every year in your 40s. Then, between ages of 50 and 70, you can switch every other year. Of course, your doctor may recommend more frequent checkups if your risk is higher.

2. Prevention of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is easy to prevent. The cervix is ​​the narrow passage between uterus (where baby grows) and vagina (the birth canal). A doctor can check for this with a Pap smear or an HPV test. A Pap smear detects abnormal cells in cervix that can be removed before they become cancerous. The main cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV).

Cervical cancer screening

During a Pap smear, your doctor scrapes cells from your cervix and sends them to a lab for analysis. Your doctor will tell you if you need a Pap smear alone or in combination with an HPV test. She will also discuss with you how often you need to get tested. If you are sexually active and at risk, you will need an annual vaginal test for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Cervical Cancer Vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects women under age of 26 against several types of HPV infection. However, vaccine does not protect against all HPV strains that cause cancer, and not all cervical cancers start with HPV. Thus, routine cervical cancer screening is still important.

3. Prevention of osteoporosis and fractures

Osteoporosis is a condition in which a person's bones weaken. After menopause, women begin to lose more bone mass, but men can also develop osteoporosis. As a result of osteoporosis, even a slight fall, blow, or sudden twisting can lead to a fracture. People aged 50 years and older are more likely to have bone fractures due to osteoporosis. Fortunately, you can prevent and treat osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis screening test

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a special type of X-ray, measures bone strength and detects osteoporosis before a fracture occurs. It can also help predict risk of future fractures. This test is recommended for all women aged 65 and over. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, you may need to start earlier.

4. Prevention of skin cancer

There are several types of skin cancer, and early treatment is effective for all of them. The most dangerous melanoma, which affects cells that produce skin pigment. Sometimes people have a hereditary risk for this type of cancer, which can be increased by overexposure to sunlight. Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are common non-melanoma cancers.

Skin cancer screening

Notice any changes in skin markings, including moles and freckles. Notice how they change shape, color and size. Some experts also suggest having your skin checked by a dermatologist or other healthcare professional during regular checkups.

5. Prevention of high blood pressure

With age, risk of developing high blood pressure increases, especially if you are overweight or have bad habits. High blood pressure can lead to a life-threatening heart attack or stroke without warning. So working with your doctor to get it under control could save your life. Lowering blood pressure may also prevent long-term risks such as heart disease and kidney failure.

High blood pressure screening

Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers. The first (systolic) is your blood pressure when your heart is beating. The second (diastolic) is pressure between beats. Normal blood pressure in adults is less than 120/80. High blood pressure that is 130/80 or higher. Anything in between is considered elevated, a sort of early warning stage.

6. Prevention of high cholesterol and atherosclerosis

High cholesterol levels can cause plaque to clog arteries. Plaque can build up asymptomatically for many years, eventually leading to a heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking can contribute to plaque formation. This disease is called arteriosclerosis, or atherosclerosis. Lifestyle changes and medications can reduce risk.

Check your cholesterol

You may need to fast for 9-12 hours to check your cholesterol levels. You will then have a blood test that measures total cholesterol, "bad" LDL cholesterol, "good" HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (blood fats). Your doctor will tell you when to start checking your cholesterol levels.

7. Prevention of type 2 diabetes

A third of people with diabetes don't know they have it. Diabetes can cause heart or kidney disease, stroke, blindness due to damage to retinal blood vessels, and other serious problems. You can manage diabetes through diet, exercise, weight loss, and medication, especially if you contract it early. Type 2 diabetes is most common disease. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.

Diabetes screening

You may have to fast for about eight hours and then get a blood test for diabetes. A blood sugar level of 100 to 125 may indicate prediabetes, 126 or higher may indicate diabetes. Other tests include A1C test and oral glucose tolerance test. Your doctor will tell you when to start checking your blood sugar.

8. Prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

HIV is virus that causes AIDS. It is transmitted by exchanging blood or body fluids with an infected person, such as through unprotected sex or through use of dirty needles. Pregnant women living with HIV can pass infection on to their children. There is no cure or vaccine yet, but early treatment with AIDS drugs can help immune system fight virus.

HIV screening test

For many years, HIV was asymptomatic. The only way to know if you have virus is to take a blood test. ELISA or EIA tests look for antibodies to HIV. If you get a positive result, you will need a second test to confirm result. Anyone who is sexually active should be tested. Recommended to clinicians for HIV HIV infection in adolescents and adults aged 15 to 65 years. Teenagers and older adults, who are at higher risk, should also be screened.

Prevent spread of HIV

Most newly infected people have tested positive two months after being exposed to virus. But in rare cases, it can take up to 6 months for HIV antibodies to develop. Use condoms during sex to avoid contracting or spreading HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. If you are HIV positive and pregnant, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce risk of AIDS in your unborn child.

9. Prevention of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. Most cases of colon cancer are due to polyps (abnormal growths) that grow in lining of colon. Polyps may or may not be cancerous. If so, cancer may have spread to other parts of body. Removing polyps early, before they become cancerous, can completely prevent occurrence of polyps.

Colorectal cancer screening

Colonoscopy is a common method of screening for colorectal cancer. While you are under a light sedative, your doctor will insert a small tube with a camera into your colon. If she finds a polyp, she can remove it in time. Another test is flexible sigmoidoscopy, which examines lower end of colon. Screening usually starts at age 50 if you are in intermediate risk group. Your doctor may also examine you with a variety of stool home cards.

10. Prevention of glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when intraocular pressure increases. If left untreated, it can damage optic nerve and cause blindness. It usually doesn't cause any symptoms until your vision is destroyed.

Glaucoma screening

How often you should have your eyes checked depends on your age and risk factors. Among them were people over 60 years of age, with eye injuries, steroid use, and a family history of glaucoma. Talk to your doctor about when to start screening for glaucoma and how often.

Finally:

Talk to your doctor about screening. Some tests, such as a Pap smear or a breast exam, should be a regular part of every woman's health care. Other tests may be needed depending on risk factors. Proper screening does not always prevent disease, but it can often catch it early enough to give you best chance of overcoming it.

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