Ace your next test
A health check-up could save your life. Experts share their tips on how you can get the best, most accurate results at your next exam.
Feel perfectly healthy? You still need to regularly visit your doctor. The reason is simple: “Having regular, general screening tests is vital for disease prevention, detection and early treatment,” says GP Dr Ronald McCoy. Here’s how to ensure your next check-up is not only comfortable but that the results are accurate.
MAMMOGRAM
Women of all ages should self-examine their breasts monthly. However, if you’re between 50 and 69 years of age, with no personal or family history of breast cancer, you should also have a mammogram every two years, says specialist breast physician Dr Helen Zorbas.
→If you haven’t reached menopause, avoid scheduling your mammogram the week before or during your period if you experience premenstrual breast tenderness. Wait until the following week when your breasts are less sensitive.
→Avoid taking aspirin to reduce discomfort as it thins the blood, which leaves you more susceptible to bruising, and this may show up on the X-ray. You should also always let your radiologist know if you’re taking any medication – be it prescription, natural supplements or vitamins – as these may affect the test result.
→Feeling tense and stressed can make the experience more uncomfortable, so try to relax. Also, the more relaxed you are, the better the picture clarity will be.
→Turn up to your appointment with clean skin, which means not wearing any deodorant, perfume or body cream, as these can show up as specks and affect the quality of the image.
PAP SMEAR
It is advised that you start having a pap smear within two years of the first time you have sex and then once every two years until you reach 70, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. “Even if you’ve received the cervical cancer vaccine, it’s still really important you have regular pap smears,” says Dr McCoy.
→Don’t book your pap smear around the time of your period, as any menstrual blood can interfere with the accuracy of the result. Mid-cycle, or 10 to 20 days after the first day of your last period, is best.
→It’s also best to avoid having a pap smear if you have a vaginal infection, such as thrush, as infected cells may reduce the accuracy of the test.
→Avoid having sex on the morning of your pap smear.
→Speak to your GP if you have been experiencing any vaginal dryness, as they can use warm water or a small amount of water-based lubricant on the speculum (the instrument used to allow the cervix to be clearly seen) to help make the test more comfortable.
→If you experience menopausal or postmenopausal vaginal pain or decreased lubrication, you can also use a local oestrogen cream or pessary, which delivers a low dose of oestrogen directly through the wall of the vagina, in the lead-up to having a pap smear to help reduce discomfort. Always ask your GP or gynaecologist for individual advice.
HEART HEALTH CHECK-UP
You may be aware that heart disease is a leading cause of death. But what you may not know is there’s no single cause of heart disease, and often there are no symptoms, reports the Heart Foundation. Therefore, it’s important that your doctor regularly monitors all your risk factors, including your cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and waist measurements, lifestyle factors and any family history of heart disease.
→Have your blood pressure checked every two years from the age of 18. To ensure a correct result, try to arrive at your appointment at least five minutes early, as rushing and feeling stressed can raise your blood pressure.
→Have your blood cholesterol checked every five years from the age of 45 if you’re healthy and have no family history of high cholesterol. For an accurate result, fasting for 12 hours prior to a cholesterol test may be necessary as triglycerides – a common type of fat – often remain high for several hours after eating.
→ Take it easy for at least 24 hours before your cholesterol test as strenuous exercise may have a direct impact on your triglyceride levels and cause a falsely low reading.
→To ensure your cholesterol test result is consistent and accurate, have the test after you’ve maintained your usual diet and weight for at least two weeks, which means not having it just after a holiday, Christmas or on completion of a diet.
BOOK IT IN
1. ORAL HEALTH CHECK-UP
“A trip to the dentist could be lifesaving,” says dentist Dr Peter Alldritt. “Not only is your dentist the first person to diagnose poor dental health, they can also identify oral cancer.”
For healthy gums and teeth, Dr Alldritt suggests you visit your dentist every six to 12 months.
2. EYE EXAM
If detected early enough, 75% of vision loss is preventable or treatable. So, protect your peepers by booking a 30-minute eye test at least once every two years.
3. SKIN CHECK-UP
Self-examine your skin for changing moles or freckles, which could signal skin cancer, every three months. “If you’re in a high-risk group, such as those with fair skin, work outdoors, or have a family history of melanoma, have your GP check your skin annually,” says dermatologist Dr Cathy Reid. To ensure a thorough check-up, don’t wear make-up to your appointment, or nail polish, as melanomas can also develop beneath your nails.
4. BONE DENSITY TEST
Women, did you know declining levels of oestrogen during menopause may increase your risk of osteoporosis? Assess your bone health by talking to your doctor about your risk factors, including your age, medical history and lifestyle. They may then refer you for a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test – a short, painless scan that measures bone density, usually at the hip and spine. Depending on your result, you may be advised to have a DXA test every one to two years.
CREDIT: AREMEDIASYNDICATION.COM.AU/MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA