The Pap smear is the only screening tool for cancer which has reduced the number of deaths from any type of cancer. Mammograms should begin usually between the age of 35- 40 for a baseline mammogram. A baseline mammogram establishes a pattern for comparison with future mammograms. Current estrogens place women at an increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Raloxifene promises to produce the benefits of HRT which reduce osteoporosis without the increased risk of cancer.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common lethal malignancies of young women.
Epidemiologic studies clearly show that risk of cervical cancer rises as women become sexually active at earlier ages, have more sexual partners, and have unprotected sex more often. Smoking combined with alcohol has proven to significantly increase cancer risks for oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and other cancers. Women must maintain regular gynecological examinations to include Pap smears and Mammograms. Women must perform monthly breast self- examine. A persistent cough or a hoarse throat are possible signs you may experience.