October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when women are reminded to get their breast health screenings. About 30 percent of all new female cancers each year are breast cancer. Breast cancer is most common in middle-aged and older women.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40 to 44 can choose to start annual mammograms, while women ages 45–54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
Women with a family history of breast cancer should work with their health care provider to assess their risk of breast cancer. In some situations, additional testing may be considered.
For many women, a mammogram, an x-ray of the breast, is the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.
The fall is a good time to consider your health from a broader holistic perspective and to ask about other health screenings too.
Blood pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least once every year at an annual exam. Ask your provider if you need your blood pressure checked more often if you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or are overweight or have other health conditions.
Cervical cancer: Women ages 21 through 65 should be screened with either a Pap test every three years (if younger than age 30) or with the Pap test plus HPV testing every five years (called “cotesting”). Women who have been treated for precancer (cervical dysplasia) should continue to have Pap tests for 20 years after treatment or until age 65, whichever is longer. You could also consider the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer.
Cholesterol: Cholesterol screening should begin a age 45 for women with no known risk factors for coronary heart disease; or at age 20 for women with known risk factors for coronary heart disease.
Colorectal cancer: The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. If you are under age 45, talk to your provider about getting screened. You should be screened if you have a strong family history of colon cancer or polyps. Screening may also be considered if you have risk factors such as a history of inflammatory bowel disease or polyps.
Prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes: You should be screened for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes starting at age 35. Screening should be repeated every three years if you are overweight and have obesity. You should be tested more often if you have other risk factors for diabetes, such as a first-degree relative with diabetes, high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a history of heart disease.
Immunizations: Get a flu shot every year. For Covid-19, ask your provider what is best for you. Get a Tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years. Ask your health care provider about other older age-dependent immunizations such as for shingles or pneumonia.
Riverwood offers access to two gynecologists, Dr. Alisha Lindberg and Dr. Jennifer Tessmer-Tuck, who offer wellness exams that can address screenings and immunizations. They provide care for the entire spectrum of women’s health issues from preventative care to diagnosis and treatment of common and complex gynecological concerns such as menstrual disorders, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and menopause symptoms.
Dr. Lindberg comments, “We strive to take care of you as a whole person and give you the tools you need to take charge of your health. We make sure you are up to date on your routine screening but can also address any concerns you may have as a woman. This can include birth control, family planning, heavy periods, menopause, and more.”
Appointments with Dr. Lindberg and Dr. Tessmer-Tuck are available in Aitkin. No referral is needed from a primary care provider. Call Riverwood’s specialty clinic at 218-927-5566 or log onto MyChart to schedule your appointment today. You may also view appointment times and schedule directly from our women’s health web page.