As part of the inflight safety announcement, passengers are reminded to put on their own oxygen mask before helping others. Though sound advice in the air, the same philosophy applies in everyday life. In order to help those around us, we must first take care of our own well-being.
Observed annually in May, Women’s Health Month is a poignant reminder to prioritize women’s well-being. The month-long observance aims to raise awareness about health issues that affect women and emphasizes the importance of early detection and preventive care.
Jyotika Wali, MD, Internal Medicine, Providence St. Jude Medical Center says, “women who undergo routine screenings are better equipped to address health concerns proactively and early on, when treatment is most effective. Moreover, they can detect various conditions such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.”
Highlighting the importance of annual screenings, a research study by UC San Diego Health found that delays in routine screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase of stage IV colorectal and breast cancer diagnoses.
Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. However, when detected early through mammograms, clinical breast exams and self-breast examinations, the survival rate increases dramatically.
Recommended Age to Get Screened:
- Cervical Cancer: 21-65 years
- Diabetes: 20-80 years
- Breast Cancer: 40-75 years
- Colon Cancer: 45-75 years
- Osteoporosis: 40-80 years
Other health screenings include:
- Pap tests that detect cervical cancer
- Bone density tests that can identify osteoporosis
- Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer
- Blood pressure, cholesterol screening and heart health assessments to prevent and detect cardiovascular diseases
Be empowered and empower the women in your life to take proactive steps towards a healthier future. Schedule a
screening or contact a Providence physician today.
