A Guide to Predicting Your Medical Future
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscope is shorter than a colonoscope; it allows the doctor to see bleeding, inflammation, abnormal growths and ulcers in the lower third of the colon. Unfortunately, it can't reach the other two thirds. "Flexible sigs" should be performed once every five years.
Barium enema: This X-ray examination of the large intestine has some downsides: it's less precise than colonoscopy, and the USPSTF says there's "no direct evidence" that it reduces mortality rates. Nonetheless, if given every five years, it's acceptable in place of a colonoscopy.
Fecal occult blood test: This screen, given annually, is a subject of some debate. The USPSTF says there is "good evidence" that it reduces mortality from colorectal cancer. But King, along with many other docs, disagrees: "It doesn't tell us very much. By the time there's blood in the stool, it's too late." Your own doctor can help you decide if the FOBT is right for you.
Virtual colonoscopy: It's less unpleasant than colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and enemas, but it still requires what for many is the worst part: the clean-out. It's also no substitute: it doesn't work as well.
Other cancer screens: The short version: unless you have a family history, don't bother. The USPSTF recommends against widespread screening for pancreatic cancer, which is rare. It also recommends against bladder-cancer screens, which pick up false positives. The agency says the evidence is unclear for several other types of cancer.
Nonfasting total blood cholesterol: It's common for women to skimp on this test. But they shouldn't after menopause, when their risk of heart disease "rapidly approaches that of a man," says King. Get checked at 50 and every five years after, no matter what sex you are.
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Member Comments
Posted By: Bullsfan @ 01/30/2008 10:09:19 AM
Comment: Oh, and let's put eating disorders vs obesity into perspective. Roughly 7 million people have eating disorders in the US. In contrast, 25% of AMericans are obese. That's 75 MILLION people. Which do YOU think is the bigger heath risk.?
Posted By: njdocisin @ 01/27/2008 3:59:47 AM
Comment: The article also left out skin cancer screenings. People 20-40 should have a clinical skin exam at least every 3 years, people 40+ should have one annually, and all people over the age of 20 should be doing montly self-exams. Kind of a big oversight IMO.
Posted By: Ivhie @ 01/21/2008 7:52:51 PM
Comment: Coronary heart/artery disease is not ONLY a genetic disease. It is a well-known fact that many things can contribute to the health of your blood vessels and heart. Coronary artery disease comes about when plaque forms and builds on the arteries. Although people with genetic predisposition can often build the plaque more quickly, genes are not the only factor. Diet, exercise, and a whole host of other factors also play a role. I'm not sure why hamidbak is so sure that CAD and gum disease are not related, but researchers (yes many researchers, and yes they did medical research studies) have found that people with periodontal disease are almost two times as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. Whether it is a direct cause-and-effect is not certain, but I think that results like that would make me want to brush my teeth and get my cavities taken care of. How about you?