By Dr. Nancy L. Snyderman, M.D.
The biggest secrets to being healthy are also the most boring. That's one of the problems. We all know that we should eat healthy foods, exercise on a routine basis, and not smoke. But that's only the beginning. Knowing what diseases you are at risk for and what screening tests are best for you is the second part.That's where this part of the doctoring becomes personal. My paternal grandfather died of cancer of the colon just before his 70th birthday. And my dad, 21 years ago, got the same cancer, defied the odds, and is still here today. Owning up to that family history, I have always considered myself at risk for colon cancer. But being at risk is a long way from accepting that I'll get it.
So I started getting screening colonoscopies in my forties. I now get one every 2-3 years. If you don't have a family history make sure you schedule your first colonoscopy at the age of 50. You may not have to repeat them as often if the first one is normal. The chance of getting this cancer increases with age so having a baseline test is important.
I admit that the prep the night before is no picnic. But there is no part of this test that hurts. The doctor will give you a little sedation, take a look inside your bowel with the colonoscope, snip out any worrisome polyps, and you'll wake up from your nap likely knowing that everything is OK. This is one test that can save your life and shouldn't be a secret.
• Quiz:
Take the Health Risks Quiz
• Video:
Brian Williams talks to Dr. Nancy Snyderman
Dr. Nancy Snyderman examines how health risks uniquely affect women
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology
Women's Health and Screening Tests: US Department of Health and Human Services
iVillage Lifetime Guide to Health Screening
iVillage Total Health: Colonoscopies
Menopause: What You Should Ask your Doctor
members say:
How can I get rid of my dark spots between my legs and underarms.MY e-mail is osmontoya@gmail.com
--Posted by claudia from dallas, dallas, TX
I have dark spots between my legs and underarms how can I can get rid of them
--Posted by claudia from dallas, dallas, TX
Dr. Nancy, Hello! Dr. Nancy, My name is Meena from calif. I have this dark spots around my personal area. I went to see my dr about 2 months ago, he didn't help me nuch as to how to get rid off my dark spots. please help me!! I need to know what to do or to take. Thank you so much for your help and taking the time. Meena
--Posted by Meena, San Jose, CA
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She only mentioned one screening test. Surely there are others as important??
--Posted by Kaen, OR
that heart disease was the #1 killer of women. Makes you stand up and take notice.
--Posted by wishful_mom, Bethlehem, PA
We need more in depth medical information. This was good as far as it went, I'd like to see some of these topics (menopause, STDs) get more air play. We hear weekly about breast cancer, how about the other 'female' issues?
--Posted by Annie J., Poughkeepsie, NY
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For a guy, Brian Williams did a good job at asking the right questions. I learned quite a bit from this interview
--Posted by johanna, NJ