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Cervical Cancer Screening

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical cancer screening is a vital tool in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Regular screenings can identify abnormalities in the cervix before they develop into cancerous cells. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of cervical cancer screening and the guidelines to follow.

● Pap Smear Test: The Pap smear test, also known as Pap test, is the most common screening method for cervical cancer. It involves collecting a small sample of cells from the cervix, which are then examined under a microscope for any abnormalities. The test is generally recommended for women aged 21 and older, and the frequency may vary based on individual risk factors.

● HPV Test: In addition to the Pap smear, an HPV test can be performed to check for the presence of high-risk HPV strains. This test is usually recommended for women aged 30 and older, along with the Pap smear. The combination of both tests provides a more comprehensive assessment of cervical cancer risk.

● Screening Guidelines: The screening guidelines for cervical cancer may vary slightly depending on the country and healthcare provider. In general, it is recommended to start screening at the age of 21 and continue until the age of 65. The frequency of screenings may vary based on age, risk factors, and previous test results.

● Importance of Regular Screenings: Regular cervical cancer screenings are essential because they can detect precancerous changes in the cervix early on. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, reducing the risk of the disease progressing to advanced stages. It is important to follow the recommended screening guidelines to ensure timely intervention.

Cervical cancer screening is a powerful tool in the fight against this disease. By conducting regular screenings, women can take charge of their health and reduce the impact of cervical cancer. Our team of dedicated physicians and healthcare professionals are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us to learn more about cervical cancer or schedule an appointment today.

Navigating Cerianna PET/CT Scans: Addressing Three Common Questions

Medical imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of various health conditions, and the Cerianna PET/CT scan is a notable advancement in this field. If you’re considering or have been recommended for a Cerianna PET/CT scan, you likely have questions. We address three key questions about Cerianna PET/CT scans to provide clarity and ease any concerns you may have.

What Is a Cerianna PET/CT Scan, and How Does It Work?

Cerianna is a whole body new diagnostic tool that allows accurate ER characterization of metastatic lesions in a fast, non-invasive PET/CT scan. Cerianna is a radioactive diagnostic agent indicated for use with PET imaging for the detection of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive lesions as an adjunct to biopsy in patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.

What Can I Expect During a Cerianna PET/CT Scan?

Pre-Scan Recommendation: The radioactive tracer is short-lived and will leave your body quickly; however, we encourage you to drink plenty of water following your scan.

Pre-Scan Procedure: Our PET/CT technologist will bring you from the waiting room to a small, private and comfortable room. You will receive an injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer through an IV in your arm. Then you relax and wait for approximately an hour while the radioactive tracer circulates in your body. The injection will not make you feel different or unusual and will not prevent you from resuming your normal daily activities once your scan is completed. This injection is safe and has no known side effects or allergic reactions.

Scan Setup Procedure: After about one hour, our technologist will position you on the scanner. Most PET/CT scans take about 25-40 minutes. Our PET/CT scanner is a donut shape and is open on both ends and offers a much more open feeling than an MRI.

Scanning Process: During the scan, you will be exposed to a minimal amount of radiation; however, we believe the benefits of the information provided by the scan outweigh the small potential risk. Please let us know if you have any concerns about this exposure.

Scan Result Waiting Time: Typically, your doctor will receive scan results in 24-48 hours.

What is the advantage of Cerianna PET/CT imaging?

Cerianna PET/CT scans offer a number of advantages including valuable insights into estrogen receptor activity in breast cancer, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning. Other advantages include:

  • Non-invasive
  • Easy prep, NO fasting required
  • Quick exam, start to finish less than 2 hours
  • Results within 24 – 48 hours

If you have been recommended for a Cerianna PET/CT scan, understanding the procedure and its purpose can help alleviate any concerns. Always consult with your healthcare provider to address specific questions related to your health, ensuring a comprehensive and informed approach to your medical imaging experience.

EXPERT CARE

Diagnostic tests can be stressful. It takes more than medicine to get the best care; we believe compassion, empathy and joy are important to healing. We’re committed to making your journey as easy, comfortable and positive as possible.

Bring the Conversation to the Table: Understand Your Family Health History

As family travels from near and far to be together during the holiday season, it’s an opportune time for you to not only cherish the time with your loved ones, but also gain a deeper understanding of your family’s health history. Take the time to have important conversations about family health history. Discussing your family’s health background doesn’t have to overshadow the festive atmosphere, however, it can be a valuable way to understand potential health issues that may be hereditary, allowing you to proactively address them with your healthcare provider.

Understanding your family’s health history is crucial for everyone. It empowers you to develop a strategy for managing any potential health concerns. For instance, a family history of breast cancer can be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Certain genetic mutations that elevate the risk of breast cancer also raise the likelihood of prostate cancer in men. Therefore, if you discover a family member has had breast cancer, it’s important to discuss your own cancer risk with your doctor.

This holiday season, take a moment to engage in discussions with your family about the significance of understanding your health history. The more you comprehend potential health impacts, the better equipped you and your doctor are to address them early on, allowing you to continue relishing those special holiday moments.