Why women skip or delay health screenings is a cause for concern



CNN

About 72 million women in the United States have skipped or delayed a recommended health checkup, according to a new survey. This poll, conducted by Gallup for medical technology company Hologic, found that 90% of women acknowledged the importance of regular health screenings – but more than 40% have skipped or delayed a test.

Women have trouble prioritizing their health, the survey found, with over 60% of women responding that it was difficult to make their health a priority. The numbers are particularly striking among younger women; 74% of Gen Z women and 70% of millennials said it was difficult to prioritize their health, compared to 52% of baby boomers and 39% of the silent generation.

Struck by these numbers, I wanted to speak with CNN health expert Dr. Leana Wen to learn more about why they are a cause for concern. What are the preventive examinations that young women should receive? And what steps can women take to prioritize their health and well-being? Wen is an emergency physician and associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.

CNN: What were the parts of the survey that resonated most with you?

Dr. Leana Wen: I was dismayed, though not surprised, to see that it was so common for women, especially young women, to skip health checks. According to the results, most women in the survey mentioned factors such as caring for other family members, difficulties at work and other pressing issues.

This is consistent with my experience as a clinician and public health official. Unfortunately, many women focus on their health only after being diagnosed with a chronic illness. Our society places too little emphasis on prevention and there are many obstacles in the way of people getting preventive care.

CNN: Why are regular health screenings so important for women, including young women?

Wen: This study focused on health screenings for cancer, so let’s start here. One in five women worldwide will develop cancer in our lifetime. Early treatment is key to improving survival rates and this depends on early diagnosis. This is why screenings are so important. Cancer screenings are done before people show symptoms.

There is a worrying global trend of increasing early-onset cancers, defined as cases of cancer diagnosed in people younger than 50 years of age. Between 1990 and 2019, early-onset cancers increased by 79%. In the US, while people over 50 have experienced a decline in overall cancer rates between 1995 and 2020, cancer incidence has increased in people younger than 50.

All of this makes the survey results of young women neglecting their health screenings even more worrying.

According to the survey, 41% of American women delayed or skipped screening for breast cancer, 35% for cervical cancer and 33% for colorectal cancer.

CNN: What cancer screenings are recommended for younger women?

Wen: Here are the recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force.

For breast cancer, the USPSTF recommends that women be screened every other year, starting at age 40 and continuing until age 74. This is a recent change. Previously, it was recommended to start between the ages of 40 and 50.

For cervical cancer, the task force recommends that women ages 21 to 29 be screened every three years with a Pap test that looks for cervical cells. For women aged 30 to 65, it is recommended to be screened every three years with a Pap smear, or every five years with high-risk human papillomavirus (a virus that can cause cervical cancer) or cervical cancer screening. of the virus combined with the Pap test.

For colon cancer, the USPSTF recommends that both women and men begin screening at age 45. This also represents a change in response to the increase in colon cancer in younger individuals; Until a few years ago, it was recommended that colon cancer screening begin at age 50.

All the above recommendations apply to women with an average risk of developing these cancers. Individuals at higher risk because of family history, personal history of cancer, or other risk factors should talk to their doctors about whether they should start screening earlier and more often.

They may also need additional testing; for example, women with a first-degree relative with breast cancer may be recommended for an MRI in addition to a mammogram and may be referred for genetic testing.

CNN: What else should women know about regular screenings?

Wen: Ideally, every woman has a primary care provider that she sees annually. These appointments should keep track of what screenings have been done and when the next set of screenings are due.

First, women need to know if they have personal medical circumstances that put them at higher risk than other people. Everyone should try to find out their family history of common diseases like cancer and heart disease. Consider lifestyle factors that may affect risk factors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and physical activity.

Second, discuss screening tests. What is recommended now and why? We talked today mainly about cancer screening, but there are screenings for other chronic diseases that need to be done.

For example, you should check your blood pressure during annual visits to check for hypertension. The USPSTF also recommends screening for diabetes in adults ages 35 to 70 who have a body mass index that places them in the overweight or obese category and for high cholesterol in women age 45 and older, who which are at increased risk of heart disease.

Third, women should discuss issues related to their reproductive health. If they want to get pregnant, they should optimize their health in preparation for pregnancy. If they do not, they should discuss contraceptive options. We have not yet discussed screening for sexually transmitted infections, but this is also part of the routine health checks that should be discussed at the annual checkup.

Last but certainly not least, it is important to discuss mental health issues. Mental health is a crucial determinant of overall health. Women should be sure to discuss concerns such as depression, anxiety, and stress with their providers. There are many treatment options available – no one should suffer in silence.

CNN: How can women keep track of their shows and what do they need?

The problem is that many women do not have a regular provider. They may also neglect to see that person because of issues highlighted in the survey—perhaps these women are busy with other life circumstances and then only see a provider when something goes wrong.

Another issue highlighted in the survey is that providers may not bring reviews. Women are more likely to get screened if they and their provider discuss the importance of screenings, the survey says. However, these conversations sometimes don’t happen for a variety of reasons.

We need to have a better health care system that ensures access and continuity of care for all people, and clinicians need to have the time to address essential issues like prevention during the annual visit.

In the meantime, I recommend that women keep track of what screenings they’ve had and have an idea of ​​when the next one will be. Bring that list with you when you go for your annual checkup and ask your doctor if you’re up to date.

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