Preventative Healthcare

Adult Physicals

ANNUAL PHYSICALS ARE ADVISED FOR THOSE 50 AND OLDER AND THOSE WITH A CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITION

SCREENING TESTS:

Colon screening (FIT)

Men and women between the ages of 50 to 74, with no symptoms, should get screened for colon cancer every two years with the fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

Colonoscopy is recommended every five years for people with at least one of the following:

-One first degree relative (mother, father, sister, brother, daughter or son) with colon cancer diagnosed under the age of 60 or

-Two or more first degree relatives with colon cancer diagnosed at any age or

-A personal history of adenomas

Lung Cancer Screening::

For adults aged 55-74 years with at least a 30 pack-year smoking history , who currently smoke or quit less than 15 years ago, the CTFPHC ( Canadian task force on preventative health ) recommends annual screening with low dose CT scan of chest for three consecutive years.

Cervical screening (Pap test)

Women between the ages of 25 to 69 should be screened for cervical cancer every three years, unless otherwise advised. Cervical cancer screening (Pap test) can stop at age 69 if your results have always been normal.

You should still screen regularly for cervical cancer if:

-You’ve been through menopause

-You’ve had only one sexual partner or have been with the same partner for a while

-You’ve had the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

-You’re in a same-sex relationship

-You’re a transgender individual with a cervix

Many women now have the option to do home screening with a vaginal swab for HPV. This testing does not look for cancer cells at the cervix but determines if you have a high risk type of HPV present in the vagina. If this test comes back positive for high risk HPV, you will be informed and asked to see your physician for cervical screening.

Breast Imaging/Mammography

Screening mammograms are available for women 40 years and older and recommended every two years. See chart beside for more information.
Women are not eligible for a screening mammogram if they:
-Have breast implants (see your doctor to arrange a mammogram).
-Are pregnant or breastfeeding (you can use the breast screening program three months after completely finishing breastfeeding; see your doctor immediately if you experience any new problems).
-Have a previous history of breast cancer.
-Have any new breast complaints such as a lump or nipple discharge (see your doctor immediately if you experience any new problems).
-Have had a mammogram on both breasts in the last 12 months (you must wait at least one year before having another screening mammogram).

Radiologists are now reporting on breast density. Having dense breasts is an independent risk factor for breast cancer and is more common in younger people.

For more information on breast density, and what it means for you visit: https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/tests-and-procedures/mammography/breast-density

Screening for over 65

Bone Density

Women over age 65 and people with higher risks should consider a bone density exam depending on risk factors which include:

-age over 65

-long term use of corticosteroids

-previous fragility fractures

-a parent with a fractured hip

-a recent hip fracture

-current smoking

-prior Breast CA treatment

-Alcohol Consumption greater than 3 units daily

Younger people who are high risk may also be referred for a bone density exam.

Bone density exams can be repeated every 3 years.

AAA Screening

The CTFPHC recommendation is for one-time screening with ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysm for men aged 65 to 80. Women and men over the age of 80 do not need to be screened. Risk factors for those susceptible to AAA includie smoking, advanced age, family history of AAA, Coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension

St. Georges Medical Clinic

Check-ups

Children