Preventive Care Helps ‘Track And Manage Risk Factors’
It’s important for women to remember to prioritize their physical, mental and emotional health as these areas are often overlooked, according to a medical expert with ThedaCare.
“It’s not uncommon for women to put their needs last,” said Renee Bruckner, APNP, a family medicine nurse practitioner with ThedaCare. “They may devote themselves to work, parenting, caring for an aging loved one or volunteering – often a combination of all of those areas. That selflessness may cause women to overlook their own well-being.”
One of most effective ways to avoid that is through regularly-scheduled wellness visits and health screenings, Bruckner said.
“Preventive care is about tracking changes over time and addressing issues before they become bigger problems,” she said. “When women take care of themselves, they’re safeguarding their own health and well-being. This also allows them to better show up for the people they love.”
Bruckner suggested five key health screenings women should plan to schedule. They include a mammogram, colonoscopy, HPV testing, bone density test and cardiovascular assessments.
“Preventive care health screenings help us track and manage risk factors,” she said. “In addition, normal test results can provide reassurance and peace of mind.”
Consider Health Screenings
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray exam of the breasts to help identify abnormal changes. It is recommended that women of normal risk begin these exams at the age of 40.
“That’s because it’s estimated that one in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime,” Bruckner said. “A mammogram is considered the best method available to detect breast cancer early. The screening exam can help detect a lump before it can be felt. If you need additional types of testing, your doctor will discuss these with you.”
ThedaCare offers a 3D mammogram, an imaging test that combines multiple breast X-rays into a 3D picture of the breast, all within a safe level of radiation. These mammograms have shown to reduce the need for follow-up imaging. They’re also said to be more effective at detecting cancer in women with dense breast tissue.
Another test, a colonoscopy, helps doctors examine the inner lining of a person’s large intestine.
Women (and men) of normal risk are encouraged to have their first colonoscopy at age 45. If the results are normal, the test should be repeated every 10 years through age 75 or based on a doctor’s recommendations.
“Colorectal cancer is the second-most common cause of cancer death,” Bruckner said. “It’s also highly treatable when caught early. That’s important as rates of colorectal cancer are on the rise in adults younger than 50.”
Prevention is Key
Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) cause nearly all cervical cancers. That’s why experts recommend HPV testing as part of cervical cancer screening.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) encourages women between the ages of 25 and 65 to have a primary HPV test every five years. A primary HPV test is done alone, without a Pap test. If primary HPV testing is not available, women may undergo screening with either a co-test that combines an HPV test with a Pap test every five years or a Pap test alone every three years. Women over 65 who have undergone regular screening in the past 10 years with normal results can stop cervical cancer screening.
A bone density test, also called a DEXA scan, uses a small amount of X-ray to measure the amount of mineral in the bones of a person’s lower back, hip and sometimes forearm. The test is quick and painless. It can help determine osteoporosis risk.
A final set of screening tests to consider are cardiovascular assessments, Bruckner said. They check a person’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
“High blood pressure may lead to severe complications without any prior symptoms,” she said. “The risk for high blood pressure increases with age. It’s also related to weight and lifestyle. When you treat high blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.”
A cholesterol test can highlight a high level of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood, which can cause sticky plaque to build up in the walls of the arteries, increasing a person’s risk of heart disease, the leading of cause of death for women and men, Bruckner said.
All women should feel empowered in their care, Bruckner said.
“We need to acknowledge and honor the way women experience their health and wellness,” she said. “I appreciate the opportunity to share these insights and explore the ways we can celebrate and support women in our care.”
Visit Primary Care for more information about preventive care options or to schedule an appointment with a health care provider.
About ThedaCare
For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive health care system.
For more information, visit thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on social media.