Here at Frugivore we talk a lot about getting fit and staying healthy through working out and eating right. But that’s not the only way to make sure your body is healthy. For the ladies, getting fit also includes regular visits to your doctor for pap smears and mammograms.

In case you’re not sure what either of these tests are, here’s a quick summary. A Pap smear, checks for changes in the cells of your cervix and can tell if you have an infection, abnormal (unhealthy) cervical cells, or cervical cancer. It is important for all women to have Pap tests, along with pelvic exams, as part of their routine health care. You need a Pap test if you are 21 years or older.

A mammogram is done to help screen for or detect breast cancer. Many small tumors can be seen on a mammogram before they can be felt by a woman or her doctor. Cancer is treated more effectively when it is discovered in an early stage, increasing one’s chances of her cancer going in remission.

Mammograms do not prevent breast cancer or reduce a woman’s risk of developing cancer. But regular mammograms can reduce a woman’s risk of dying from breast cancer by detecting a cancer when it is more easily treated. While many doctors say women should start getting regular mammograms at 40-years-old, it is best to speak with your doctor about what is best for you individually, especially if you are at high risk or have a family history of the disease.

With cervical and breast cancer taking the lives of women all over the world at an alarming rate, it is important that you are just as proactive in this area of your health as you would be about other areas, such as losing weight. Talk to your doctor openly about your healthy history and that of your family so they can take the best preventative measures possible. It just might save your life.

When was the last time you were checked? Do you talk with your doctor about pap smears and mammograms?

If you’re in need of information about breast cancer, mammograms, preventative care, or support for yourself or someone you know , please contact The Denise Roberts Breast Cancer Foundation.

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3 Comments

  1. I just got checked last week for the first time. I was nervous because I had heard about the pain and uncomfortable position my would be in during the mammogram but it wasn’t that bad and was over in ten minutes. I’m glad I checked now that I’m in my 30s

  2. I’m living 25yrs from Breast Cancer, and if I’d not been an aggressive personality, I would not be here today. I had to force a mammogram, because of the Doctors arrogance about the age women should get screened. I was 34 when I got my mammogram and had a mastectomy at 35….

    Get educated about Breast Health, and your bodies. Mammograms and pap smears are the best tools for early detection of any disease that my invade our temples…

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