I I H E A LT H I I
HEALTH SCREENINGS FIND PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY START By Hilton Head Regional Hospital
WHAT ARE THE TOP HEALTH SCREENINGS I SHOULD GET? As a general guideline, these are some of the most important exams for most people. • CHOLESTEROL – Over 30 percent of American adults have high cholesterol. High cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol has no signs or symptoms, so it’s important to get it checked to know for sure. • HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE – High blood pressure is a common and dangerous condition. It’s called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Be sure to get it checked regularly. • DIABETES – Too much glucose in your blood can cause serious problems over time. This can damage your eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes can also cause heart disease, stroke, and even the need to remove a limb. Have your doctor check your blood glucose, or blood sugar, regularly. • BREAST CANCER – It’s unknown why some women get breast cancer, but there are many risk factors that include obesity, taking birth control pills and more. If you’re over age 50,
108 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
especially, it’s important to get a mammogram every two years. Women aged 40 to 49 should talk to their doctor about when to start and how often to get a mammogram. • CERVICAL CANCER – Cervical cancer found early may be easier to treat. So having a cancer screening can make a difference. Pap tests every three years are recommended for women ages 21–29. A Pap test and HPV test (co-testing) is recommended every five years for women ages 30-65. Or you can continue to get a Pap test alone every 3 years. • COLORECTAL CANCER – Colorectal cancer occurs when tumors form in the lining of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. It is common in both men and women. Anyone over the age of 50 should get either a colonoscopy every 10 years or a virtual colonoscopy every five years. Alternatively, a stool-based screening can be performed every year. • PROSTATE CANCER – The prostate is a small gland in men that produces fluid for semen. Men ages 55-69 should talk to their doctor about whether to get screened. Routine screenings for men age 70 or older aren’t
