The Importance Of Preventive Health Care For Women

Linsey Gold • June 3, 2022

It's no secret that women have unique health needs. In fact, preventive care is essential for women of all ages in order to stay healthy and ward off potential health problems.

Here are just a few reasons why preventive care is so important for women.

What Every Woman Should Know About Preventive Health Care

What Is Preventive Care for Women?

Preventive health care is defined as “services used for disease prevention and health promotion.” It is important for all women, regardless of age.

However, there are certain times in a woman’s life when preventive care is especially critical.

For example, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant need to be extra vigilant about their health. This is because pregnancy can put a woman at increased risk for developing certain health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Additionally, women who are going through menopause are also at higher risk for certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease. During this time, it’s especially important to make sure that you are getting the preventive care you need.

For women, clinical preventive services include well-woman visits, screenings, and immunizations.

Well-Woman Visits

A well-woman visit is a preventative care appointment that all women should make time for. These visits allow you to proactively manage your health and well being, and they provide an opportunity to address any concerns you may have about your health.

During a well-woman visit, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and order any necessary screenings, such as mammograms or Pap tests. They will also review your medical history and update your immunizations.

In addition, well-woman visits are a chance to discuss your family planning needs and options for contraception. Whether you're trying to get pregnant or avoid pregnancy, well-woman visits can help you stay on track.

Screenings

Screenings and diagnostic tests are both important tools that doctors use to assess patients’ health. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Screenings are typically used to identify potential health problems in patients who do not have any symptoms.

Cancer screenings, for instance, can help to detect cancerous tumors, as well as precancerous growths that may become cancerous if left untreated.

While screenings may not lead to disease prevention, they can help to catch them at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

There are a variety of screenings available, and the best way to determine which screenings are right for you is to speak with your doctor.

Diagnostic tests, on the other hand, are used to confirm or rule out a diagnosis in patients who are already experiencing symptoms.

For example, a woman with chest pain may undergo a stress test to diagnose whether she is experiencing angina or a heart attack.

Both screenings and diagnostic tests can be vital in detecting and treating health problems early.

Immunizations

Immunizations are an important part of preventive care for women of all ages. While immunizations are often associated with childhood diseases, there are many immunizations that are recommended for adults as well.

For example, in addition to routine childhood immunizations, it is also important for women to receive immunizations against seasonal flu and pneumonia. These vaccines can help protect women from serious respiratory illnesses that can lead to hospitalization or even death.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all women aged 15-26 get the HPV vaccine to protect against cervical cancer. The CDC also recommends that all women over the age of 60 get a shingles vaccine to help prevent the painful and debilitating disease.

What Are the Health Benefits of Getting Preventive Care Services?

There are many benefits to getting regular preventive heath care services:

Preventive Care Can Help Catch Health Problems Early

Women have a unique set of health needs that change throughout their lifetime. From puberty to menopause and beyond, women go through many physical and hormonal changes that can impact their health.

Women are more likely than men to develop certain chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes. By receiving preventive care, women can reduce their risk of developing these conditions, or catch them early on when they’re easier to treat.

Preventive Care Can Save Lives

Cervical and breast cancer screenings can save thousands of women’s lives each year. Regular screenings for certain cancers allow doctors to detect them early, when they’re most treatable.

Preventive Care Can Save Money

By receiving preventive care, women can avoid or delay the onset of a chronic disease that can be expensive to treat. In fact, preventive care services can save Americans billions of dollars each year in health care costs.

Remember: Receiving regular preventive care is one of the best things you can do for your health. It’s an investment in your future well being and is something you owe to yourself. The sooner you start receiving preventive services, the better your chances are of maintaining good health as you age.

What Are the Recommendations for Preventive Care for Women?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) makes recommendations about preventive care for women.

They recommend that all women ages 21 to 65 should get screened for cervical cancer every three years with either a pap test or an HPV test. Women over age 30 may be able to extend the screening interval to every five years if they have had two or more negative HPV tests in a row.

The USPSTF also recommends that all women ages 50 to 75 should get screened for colorectal cancer.

Other screenings and immunizations that may be recommended for women include:

Mammograms

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and an important tool in the early detection of breast cancer. It can detect changes in breast tissue that may be cancerous, even before a lump can be felt. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances are for successful treatment.

A mammogram is generally not painful, but it may be uncomfortable.

You will need to stand still while your breast is compressed between two plastic plates. The compression helps radiologists get clear pictures of the inside of your breasts.

The whole process takes about 15 minutes. Your doctor will discuss the results of your mammogram with you and explain what, if any, follow-up tests or treatments you may need.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women over the age of 40 have a mammogram every year.

Pap Tests

A pap test (or Pap smear) is a procedure used to screen for cervical cancer. It involves collecting cells from your cervix—the opening to your uterus—and checking them for signs of cancer or precancerous changes.

Most cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that is spread through sexual contact.

The Pap test is usually done during a well-woman visit. To do the test, your doctor or nurse will use a speculum to open your vagina and visualize your cervix. They will then use a small brush to collect cells from your cervix. The cells are then placed on a slide and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Bone Density Tests

A bone density test measures how much calcium is in your bones. This test can be used to diagnose osteoporosis, which is a condition that causes bones to become weak and break easily.

Osteoporosis is most common in older women, but it can occur at any age.

Women over the age of 65 should get a bone density test. Meanwhile, women under the age of 65 should get a bone density test if they have certain risk factors for osteoporosis, such as a family history of the condition or a small frame.

Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Tests

Your doctor may recommend that you have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly. High cholesterol and high blood pressure are risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

Some women may also need to have their triglycerides checked. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. Having high levels of triglycerides can increase your risk for heart disease.

Pelvic Exams

A pelvic exam is a physical examination of a woman’s reproductive organs.

During a pelvic exam, your doctor will check your vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes for any signs of disease or abnormality. They will also feel your abdomen to check for any signs of abnormalities in your reproductive organs.

Pelvic exams are important for detecting diseases and conditions such as cancer, infection, and inflammation. They can also be used to screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Screening for STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a common and serious problem.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 20 million new cases of STIs each year in the United States.

STIs can cause a variety of symptoms, including itching, burning, pain, and discharge. They can also lead to other health problems such as infertility, cancer, and heart disease.

Because STIs often have no symptoms, it’s important to get screened on a regular basis if you are sexually active.

Screening for HIV

HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS, a condition that weakens the immune system and makes the body susceptible to infections and cancers.

There is no cure for HIV, but there are treatments that can prevent it from progressing to AIDS. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV is important for preventing serious health problems.

The CDC recommends that all women between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime.

Flu Vaccine

The flu is a virus that causes fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. It can also lead to other health problems such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

The flu is more common in the winter months, but it can occur at any time of year. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine every year.

Flu vaccines are safe for most people, but there are some exceptions.

You should not get one if you had a previous reaction to a flu vaccine. Pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma or diabetes should also talk to their doctor before getting a flu vaccine.

If you experience any flu symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as the flu can lead to more serious respiratory problems.

How Do You Find a Doctor Who Provides Preventive Health Services for Women?

If you have health insurance, your best bet is to see your primary care provider for preventive care services.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Affordable Care Act (ACA), requires most health insurance plans to provide preventive care coverage for women. This includes screenings for breast cancer, genetic testing, and other preventive health care services.

The Affordable Care Act also provides cost-sharing protections for these services, so that you do not have to pay any out-of-pocket costs. As a result, you can receive the preventive health care services you need to stay healthy and catch any potential health problems.

In addition, many health plans also cover vaccinations, which can help to protect against serious diseases such as influenza and HPV.

However, if you don’t have health insurance, or your health plan doesn’t cover preventive care services, there are still options available to you.

There are many community health centers across the country that offer sliding-scale fees based on income. This means that you will only be required to pay what you can afford.

You can also check with your state or local department of public health for information about low-cost or free clinics in your area.

What Else Can You Do to Stay Healthy?

Preventive care is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to staying healthy. There are many other things you can do to keep your mind and body in tip-top shape.

Here are a few tips:

Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help reduce your risk of developing certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important for overall health.

Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to reduce stress, improve mental health, and boost energy levels. In addition, regular exercise can help to prevent or manage osteoporosis.

Get enough sleep: Women of all ages need around eight hours of sleep per night to maintain good physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and depression. It can also worsen existing condition such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Take supplements: While a healthy diet and lifestyle are essential for overall health, supplements can play an important role in ensuring that you get the nutrients you need to stay strong and healthy. nutraMetrix® VivoQuin™ is a dietary supplement that helps support your immune and respiratory systems, as well as your overall wellness. Its ingredients work together to support the body's natural defenses and improve respiratory function. It's a gel capsule containing a synergistic blend of highly concentrated omega III fatty acids, in triglyceride form, paired with the powerful Thymoquin‡ (black cumin seed extract oil), supports a well-balanced immune system. The combination of these two clinically studied ingredients has been shown to support healthy immune function and respiratory health. The unique formulation of VivoQuin works with the body’s natural immune system to support a healthy immune defense from the start. In addition, omega 3 fatty acids in triglyceride form have been shown to support a healthy immune response because they play a role in the tissues that attract immune cells (a different set called B cells) and help keep them balanced. Research shows that omegas and black cumin seed extract oil (Thymoquin™‡) both support the health of the body’s cytokines, while Thymoquin also has a unique makeup that supports immune properties. ‡ThymoQuin™ is a trademark of TriNutra Ltd.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to your health, your should never take chances. Your health is your responsibility. Regular preventive care is the best way to keep on top of your health and catch any problems early.

By taking proactive steps to stay healthy, you can reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases, improve your overall well being, and enjoy a better quality of life now and in the years to come.

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Sex Life After Breast Cancer

By Linsey Gold • January 20, 2023

After cancer treatment, many women feel out of sync with their body. Here are tips to help you reconnect with your sexuality and empower you to make choices that are right for you.

8 Types Of Breast Cancer

By Linsey Gold • January 6, 2023

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and it can occur in any part of the breast. There are many different breast cancer types, but all of them start with abnormal cells that grow out of control. These abnormal cells can invade and damage nearby breast tissue, including the lymph nodes under your arm, which is why it’s important to get regular mammograms and checkups. Early detection is key to successful treatment. In this article, we'll discuss the eight different breast cancer types. We hope this information will help you become more aware of the various types of breast cancer and their potential risks. RELATED: Breast Cancer And Exercise: The Role Of Physical Activity In Women With Breast Cancer 8 Breast Cancer Types Ductal or Lobular Carcinoma The most common type of breast cancer, ductal or lobular carcinoma, begins in the breast ducts or the lobules. This type of cancer can be invasive or non-invasive, and it's usually treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) or Intraductal Carcinoma or Stage 0 Breast Cancer Ductal carcinoma in situ is a pre-invasive or non-invasive breast cancer. This means that there are abnormal cells in the lining of the milk duct, and they haven't spread outside of the duct. In most cases, DCIS is found through a mammogram before it can be seen or felt. While DCIS isn't life-threatening, it's still considered cancer and should be treated as such. Left untreated, DCIS may develop into an invasive breast cancer, which can be much more serious. This is why many doctors recommend treatment for DCIS even though it's a noninvasive cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment for DCIS. The type of surgery depends on the size of the tumor and how far it has spread within the ducts. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining breast cancer cells. Invasive Breast Cancer or Infiltrating Breast Cancer Invasive breast cancer is a more serious type because it has spread outside the milk ducts or lobules into surrounding breast tissue. Once the invasive breast tumors spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lungs, they become metastatic breast cancer. While early-stage invasive breast cancer may not cause any symptoms, advanced stages of the disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including: a lump or thickening in the breast bloody discharge from the nipple changes in the size or shape of the breast skin dimpling pain Treatment options for invasive breast cancer typically involve surgery to remove the cancerous breast tissue, as well as radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, a combination of these treatments is necessary to achieve the best possible outcome. With early detection and proper treatment, most women with invasive breast cancer can go on to lead long, healthy lives. The two most common types of invasive breast cancer are: a. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma or Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) Invasive ductal carcinomas are the most common breast cancer type, accounting for about 80% of all diagnosed cases. It begins in the milk ducts, but quickly spreads beyond ducts and into the surrounding breast tissue. Although ductal carcinoma can occur in any part of the breast, it most commonly affects the upper outer quadrant. It can occur in any age group, but is more often diagnosed in post-menopausal women. Invasive ductal carcinoma is also the most common type of male breast cancer. b. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) ILC is a type of invasive breast cancer that accounts for approximately 10-15% of all invasive breast cancers. Unlike other breast cancer types, which typically first form in the milk ducts, lobular carcinoma begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) Invasive lobular breast cancer is often harder to detect on mammograms than other breast cancer types, so it's important for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms. While it can occur in women of any age, ILC is most commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50. Apart from these two most common types, there are other rare breast cancers that are sub-types of invasive breast cancer. These breast cancers have cells with unique characteristics: Medullary carcinoma: This type is characterized by the presence of large cancer cells and is more likely to occur in women with a family history of breast cancer. Tubular carcinoma: Under a microscope, breast cancer cells from a tubular carcinoma look like tubes. This type makes up about 2% of all breast cancers. Mucinous (or colloid) carcinoma: This cancer looks very different from other types of breast cancer because it contains a large amount of mucin. Mucin is a jelly-like substance that's normally found in small amounts in mucous membranes, such as the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Papillary carcinoma: This is characterized by long and thin tumors, similar in appearance to finger-like growths. It's usually found in older women. Adenoid cystic carcinoma: This is a type of cancer that typically affects the salivary glands. However, it can also occur in other tissues, such as the breast. It's characterized by the presence of two different types of cells--luminal and basaloid. Low-grade adenosquamous carcinoma: This is a rare variant of metaplastic breast cancer that's characterized by both glandular and squamous differentiation. Some subtypes of breast cancer have the same or even worse prognoses than invasive carcinoma, including: Mixed carcinoma: The prognosis of mixed carcinoma of the breast is quite good, with an average of eight-year disease-free survival. Metaplastic breast cancer: The five-year survival rate for this type is around 63%. Micropapillary carcinoma: This type is usually associated with a poorer prognosis than other types of breast cancer, but can be successfully treated in some cases. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer This is a type of breast cancer that's characterized by an overgrowth of the HER2 protein. This protein is found on the surface of healthy cells, and it helps to regulate cell growth. However, in HER2-positive breast cancer, the protein is produced in excess, causing the cells to grow and divide at an abnormally fast rate. Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) TNBC is an aggressive type of invasive breast cancer that's named "triple negative" because it's characterized by the lack of receptors commonly found in breast cancer: estrogen receptor progesterone receptor human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) This means that the tumor cells aren't sensitive to hormone therapy, making it difficult to treat. They also tend to grow and spread more quickly than other types of breast cancer. Women with triple negative breast cancers are typically diagnosed at a younger age and have a higher risk of recurrence . RELATED: How To Improve Breast Health Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of locally advanced breast cancer, meaning that it has already progressed locally but has not yet spread through the lymph nodes or outside the breast. IBC accounts for only 1-5% of all breast cancer cases and typically occurs in younger women and in African American women. Symptoms can include: redness swelling warmth in the affected breast inverted nipple discharge from the nipple IBC is often mistaken for a breast infection, which can delay treatment and result in the cancer spreading. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Less Common Types of Breast Cancers Some types of breast cancer are less common than others. This doesn't mean they're any less serious, but it does mean that they may not be as well-known. Here are three less common types of breast cancer: Paget's Disease of the Breast Paget disease is a rare form of cancer that affects the nipple and areola (the dark area of skin around the nipple). The disease gets its name from Sir James Paget, the doctor who first described it in 1874. Common symptoms include: a rash or crusting around the nipple itching burning pain Angiosarcoma Angiosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of blood vessels or lymph vessels. It can occur anywhere in the body, but it most commonly develops in the skin, breast, or liver. Angiosarcoma is rare, and it's often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The prognosis for angiosarcoma is generally poor, but it varies depending on the location and stage of the cancer. With early diagnosis and treatment, some patients are able to achieve long-term remission. Phyllodes Tumor A phyllodes tumor is a rare type of breast tumor that arises from the breast's connective tissue, specifically the stroma. Its name comes from the Greek word "phyllodes," meaning "leaf-like." Phyllodes tumors tend to be large and bulky, and they can grow quickly. They're usually benign (non-cancerous), but in some cases, they can be malignant (cancerous). Phyllodes tumors are relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast tumors. Final Thoughts Breast cancer comes in many different forms and can affect people of any age, gender, or race. Understanding its different types is key to getting an accurate diagnosis and finding the best treatment plan. While breast cancer can be a serious illness, it's important to remember that it can also be successfully treated with early detection and advanced treatments. If you're ever concerned about a potential breast cancer symptom, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if it's something to be concerned about and make sure you get the care you need. Most importantly, remember to take your health into your own hands as much as possible—schedule regular check-ups with your doctor, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and stay up-to-date on breast health screenings. Doing this could save your life! Remember, early diagnosis is key for successful treatment of any type of breast cancer. Up Next: How To Take Care Of Your Breast Prostheses What Is A Mastectomy? | Everything You Need To Know The Best Bras After Breast Surgery