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A Gift You Give Yourself: Prioritizing Your Health
What should be at the top of your birthday wish list? A gift you give yourself--prioritizing your health.
Preventive care is one of your best weapons against disease, and a method to monitor and manage conditions before they become serious. One essential part of preventive care--screenings!
Read on to learn about two essential preventive screenings you should start in your 40s (or sooner if recommended by your provider) and get the guidelines for additional screenings, vaccinations, and more that you or your loved ones might need and at what ages.
Screening Colonoscopy Starts at Age 45
Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows the doctor to examine the entire length of the intestine. It can assist in identifying problems with the colon, such as early signs of cancer, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding.
Colonoscopy is also used to screen for colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. and the fourth most common cancer in men and women.
Learn more about screening colonoscopy at Valley's Endoscopy Center.
In this episode of the We Are Valley Podcast, we talk with Dr. Brandon Teng, gastroenterologist at Valley Medical Center, about why screening guidelines were lowered from age 50 to 45, how colonoscopies help detect and prevent colon cancer, and what patients can expect before, during, and after the procedure.
If you're healthy and meet medical guidelines, you can call direct to schedule a screening colonoscopy, after your provider submits a referral to the Gastroenterology Clinic. We've made scheduling easier, so in many cases, you do not need to first schedule an office visit with a gastroenterologist. Many patients appreciate this option as they save on co-pay and time away from work.
Breast Cancer Screening Starting at Age 40
Every woman is at risk for breast cancer. One in eight will develop the disease, and 85% of those who are diagnosed have no family history of breast cancer. This is why the team at Valley's Breast Center believes that mammography remains the most effective tool for the detection of breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.
A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray that allows radiologists to look for changes in breast tissue. Valley's Breast Center is proud to provide patients 3D mammography combined with 2D mammography as our standard of care.
Dr. Thuy Pham shares her experience during her first mammogram appointment.
Make your appointment today in Renton or Covington! Schedule directly through MyChart or learn more with our Mammography flyer. Timely appointments are essential to maintaining breast health. Make breast health a priority in your life—do your monthly self-checks and schedule your annual mammogram today with the Breast Center in Renton or Covington. Click here to learn how to schedule through MyChart.
In this video, Dr. Thuy Pham, a primary care physician, and Dr. Jason Mann, a radiologist and medical director of the Valley Breast Center, discuss the importance of breast cancer screening. They cover current guidelines, what to expect during a mammogram, and how to schedule your appointment.
Preventive Health Guidelines
Preventive health isn't limited to colonoscopies and mammograms! Download our handy adult and pediatric preventive health guides below, which include additional screenings you or your loved ones may need.
And, as always, for questions or concerns about your health, talk to your primary care provider.
