You Can Save Your Life

I don’t have the time. It’s too expensive.

I don’t have a doctor. I’m sure nothing’s wrong. These are just a few of the excuses people use to avoid seeing a physician regularly – or avoiding tests and screenings that could be lifesaving! Dr. Guru Medam, family practice physician at CHI Memorial Internal Medicine Associates – Chattanooga, shares why cancer screenings are key to a long and healthy life. “Prevention is critical when you’re talking about many types of cancer, and there are ways you can keep the disease at bay and even prevent it altogether if you’re attentive to routine screenings,” says Dr. Medam. “Most people don’t like it, but when they understand how simple – and in many cases – painless these tests can be, they’re more likely to follow the recommended screening guidelines.” Colon cancer. People of average risk should have a colonoscopy every ten years starting at age 50. But those at increased risk – like those who have a first-degree family member who’s had colorectal cancer – need to begin at an earlier age at 40. Prostate cancer. A digital rectal exam and PSA test is no longer recommend routinely beginning at age 50 for men. Symptomatic patients - inability to urinate, dripping of urine or painful urination, or blood in urine are reasons to talk to the doctor right away. Cervical cancer. Beginning at age 21, routine pap smears are recommended every three years. For women over 30 through age 65, this is combined with an HPV screening every three years or more frequently if you’ve had a positive test. Women at high risk of cervical cancer may need to be screened more often. Sexually transmitted diseases. Sexually active adults with non-monogamous partners or those who have new sexual partners should be screened for STDs every year. The HPV vaccination for prevention of cervical cancer in women and penile cancer in men is also recommended for people under the age of 26. “It’s important for me to develop a relationship with my patients – to gain their trust, and let them know that I care about their health,” says Dr. Medam.“Through that collaboration and a deeper understanding of their risk factors, we can develop a plan to minimize cancer risk and help them live longer, healthier and happier.” To schedule an appointment with Dr. Medam, call (423) 495-3940.