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HEALTH TESTS
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Breast Cancer
Many women face the risk of having breast cancer and it has been continuously stressed that the earlier it is detected, the better the chances of recovery. There are three main ways of checking for breast cancer: breast self examination, examination by a doctor and mammography A breast self examination should be done every month, beginning at he age of 20, during the week after menstruation, if any lump is found or you suspect something is amiss, consult your doctor immediately. It is recommended that women over the age of 40 undergo breast cancer examinations by a doctor annually. Women between the ages of 20 and 40 should be examined by a doctor every 3 years. Should there be a previous scare or a family history of breast cancer, these tests should be done annually from the age of 30. According to the American Cancer Society, women above the age of 40 should undergo a mamamogram every year. A mammogram uses X-ray technology and even the smallest discrepancies can be detected..
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Eye Test
A large number of vision problems develop with age, especially galucoma, mascular degeneration and cataract. This is why it is extremely important to get your eye checked by an opthalmologist at least once a year or more frequently if you wear contact lenses or have diabetics. The optholmologist will examine your eyes for signs of inflammation as well as for damaged blood vessels. A test to determine an increase in intraocular pressure (a sign of glaucoma will also be done).
Colorectal Cancer
Normally suggested for those aged 50 and above, regular testing for colorectal cancer should begin at the age of 30-40 if there is a strong family history of this cancer. screening for colorectal cancer involves a faecal occult blood test to check for the presence of blood in faeces. A colonoscopy may also be crecommended by your doctor, but this will be based on several factors such as symptoms and family history of colorectal cancer.
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Tumour Makers
The accuracy of cancer markers is highly debatable. They are not recommended to be use on their own to determine the presence of cancer cells as they give either a false-positive or false-negative result. This is because tumour makers are released by not only tumour cells, but also sometimes by normal cels in the body. Therefore if a doctor suspects cancer, you will be sent for further tests to confirm the high tumour marker reading. Tumour marker tests are best used to monitor the progress of disease after a patient is diagnosed with cancer
Health tip: Sodium nitrate causes cancer - is found in most procesed meats like hot dogs, bacon, sausge. It is used to make meats appear red. Avoid it.
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