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The Screenings Every Woman Needs

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Dr. Ortiz-Roldan & Ravi, our partners at Jacksonville Clinic, talk women’s health. In the past 30 years, women’s health has dramatically improved. We’ve seen the incidents of diseases such as breast cancer and cervical cancer significantly decrease. “Our screening tools have advanced and women are increasingly dedicated to taking care of their health,” says Dr. Ortiz-Roldan. When it comes to monitoring your health, prevention is key. Read about the screening tools we offer at Jacksonville Clinic that every woman should know about.

Pap smears

“According to the American Congress of Obstetrics & Gynecologists (ACOG), cervical cancer has decreased by more than 50% in the past 30 years,” Dr. Ravi says, “We largely have screenings such as pap smears to thank for that.” Women should start getting a pap smear at age 21, according to the CDC. Pap smears look for cell changes on the cervix that might become cancerous if not treated upfront.

Clinical Breast Exams

A clinical breast exam involves a healthcare provider screening the breasts to check for any rashes, dimpling, lumps or abnormalities, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The goal of a clinical breast exam is to detect any early signs of breast cancer.

Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Test

Osteoporosis is five times more common in women than men, according to the ACOG. A bone mineral density (BMD) test assesses the strength of your bones to help your doctor determine the correct steps for preventing bone loss.  Women age 65 and older who are at average risk should have a BMD test completed.

Mammogram

A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that the incidence of late-stage breast cancer has decreased in the past 30 years, since mammograms have been introduced and widely used. A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast used to detect signs of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, women age 45-54 at average risk should get a mammogram every year. At age 55, women can alternate and have a mammogram done every two years. If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer or any other significant risk factors, talk to your primary care physician about how often you should be getting a mammogram. 
To schedule an appointment for these screenings with Jacksonville Clinic, call 904.622.9035.

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