HealthQuest Resources for a Healthy Life
HEALTH SCREENINGS
Skagit Regional Health now offers 3D mammography in Mount Vernon and Arlington Mammography is a specific type of breast imaging that uses lowdose X-rays to detect breast cancer early – before women experience symptoms – when it is most treatable. Mammography plays an integral part in the early detection of breast cancer because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before you or your physician can feel a noticeable lump. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women should begin having yearly mammograms by age 45. At the age of 55, women should talk with their doctor about the option to have mammograms done every other year, or continue with annual exams. Women can also choose to start screening with yearly mammograms as early as age 40, if they would like. SKAGIT IMAGING PAVILION 1320 East Division Street - Mount Vernon 360-424-6161 or 360-428-7575 A service provided cooperatively by Skagit Regional Health and Skagit Radiology. CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL 330 S. Stillaguamish Avenue – Arlington 360-435-0515 *See page 9 for more information.
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Regularly Scheduled Screenings Can Detect Cancer Early According to the American Cancer Society, “screening increases the chances of detecting certain cancers early, when they are most likely to be treated successfully.” Several reliable, cost-effective, screening tests are approved and available to help us detect breast, prostate, colon, lung and cervical cancers. Start the conversation with your healthcare provider today to determine what screening tests are right for you.
Cervical Cancer Screening The American Cancer Society, along with the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, recommend the following for women at low to average risk: • 21 - 29 years old – Pap test every 3 years. • 30 - 65 years old – HPV and Pap every 5 years or Pap alone every 3 years. • 65+ years old – No screening if previous negative screening results. Make an appointment with your primary care provider or gynecologist to discuss your cervical cancer risk and screening options.
Direct Access – An Easy Way to Sign up for a Screening Colonoscopy Skagit Regional Health’s Endoscopy Department offers a Direct Access program in Mount Vernon and Arlington allowing healthy adults to register, schedule and receive a screening colonoscopy without a doctor’s referral. The colonoscopy appointment is typically scheduled to occur within two weeks. Colonoscopy is one of the most powerful means of prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer. To schedule a colonoscopy through SRH’s Direct Access program, call 360-814-5739 in Mount Vernon or 360-618-7975 in Arlington. *See page 6 for more information.
Lung Cancer Screening The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that healthy adults at high risk for lung cancer should talk to their provider about screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). An adult at high risk is defined as the following: • 55 - 74 years old and smoking on average one pack per day for 30+ years. • Currently smoke or quit smoking in the past 15 years. • 50 years old or older and smoking on average one pack per day. • 20 years old or older who has contact with radon or asbestos, history of lung disease, other cancers or a family history of lung cancer. Review your health history with your provider to determine your level of risk and how to schedule a screening.
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