October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here at Christ Community Health Services, we are expanding the conversation by recognizing October as Women’s Health Awareness Month, or WHAM.
WHAM is an opportunity to encourage women to take an active role in their health by scheduling preventive appointments, talking with their doctors and completing recommended screenings. Pap smears, mammograms and colorectal cancer screenings can help detect health concerns early, when treatment may be more effective.
Pap smears can help prevent cervical cancer
A Pap smear checks the cervix for abnormal or precancerous cells. Finding and treating these cell changes early can help prevent cervical cancer from developing. An HPV test may also be recommended because certain types of HPV can cause changes to cervical cells.
Cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screening is important. Talk with your doctor about when you should begin screening and how often you should be tested based on your age, health history and previous results.
Mammograms can find breast cancer early
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that may detect cancer before a lump can be felt or other symptoms appear. Finding breast cancer earlier may provide more treatment options and improve the chance of successful treatment.
Your doctor can help you determine when to begin mammograms and how frequently you should receive them based on your age, family history and individual risk factors.
Colorectal cancer screening can find cancer and precancerous growths
Colorectal cancer screening looks for cancer in the colon or rectum. Some screening methods, including colonoscopy, can also find and remove polyps before they develop into cancer.
Colorectal cancer does not affect only men. Women should also talk with their doctors about screening, especially if they are age 45 or older, have a family history of colorectal cancer or have other risk factors. On-time screening can identify precancerous polyps and help find cancer earlier.
Do not wait for symptoms
Screening means checking for cancer before symptoms develop. Breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings can help find disease early, when treatment is often more effective.
Not everyone needs the same tests at the same time. Your doctor will consider your age, medical history, family history, previous screening results and personal risk factors when recommending a screening schedule.
Schedule your appointment
This October, make your health a priority. Schedule an appointment at Christ Community Health Services to discuss the screenings that are right for you.
Memphis: Call (901) 842-3160
Jackson: Call (731) 540-0330
Early detection saves lives. Make your appointment today and encourage the women you love to get screened, too.
