Reminders

• Mammograms - women age 30 and above
• PAP Smear - yearly checkup for all women
• Prostate Screen - for men 30 and above
• FLU Shots - needed for the immune system

Early disease detection

What is early disease detection?

Early disease detection is the use of:

• Screening tests to find diseases before symptoms appear.
• Diagnostic tests, medical exams, and self-exams to find a disease early in its course.

Why should you think about early disease detection?

Often, the earlier a disease is diagnosed, the more likely it is that it can be cured or successfully managed. Managing a disease, especially early in its course, may lower its impact on your life or prevent or delay serious complications.

What tests should you have?

The tests you need depend on your age, gender, and your risk factors. Risk factors might include family history, such as having a close relative with cancer, and lifestyle issues, such as smoking. Cholesterol screening, for example, is recommended for people who have a strong family history of heart disease.

Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant may be screened for genetic conditions, sexually transmitted diseases, and other conditions.