Stop Procrastinating With Your Health: 3 Routine Preventive Tests You Shouldn't Postpone

When it comes to routine preventive testing, you might be missing the mark on some of them. Unfortunately, missing the mark even by a little could be putting you at risk for serious health problems. It's not uncommon to postpone routine preventive testing that might be uncomfortable. However, those tests can save your life and shouldn't be postponed – even they do make you uncomfortable. Here are three routine preventive tests that you shouldn't be postponing. If you have, it's time to schedule them at a clinic like Rapid  Response Urgent Care.

Colonoscopy

No one likes the idea of having a colonoscopy, but that doesn't make them any less necessary. In fact, those routine colonoscopies can help your doctor detect changes in your colon that could be the signs of cancer. With early detection, the types of cancers that are tested for through routine colonoscopies can be successfully treated. However, it's important to note that early detection is key, which makes those routine colonoscopies all that more important. If you've been postponing your colonoscopy, it's time to schedule one with your doctor.

Mammograms

If you've been doing your own self-examinations, you might not think that those routine mammograms are important. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Your mammogram will be able to see further into your breast tissue, which makes the detection of even the smallest lumps possible. Not only that, but if you happen to have fatty deposits in your breasts, you might not be able to tell the difference between normal breast tissue and potential lumps. With early detection, doctors can perform biopsies to determine if those lumps consist of ordinary breast tissue or if they're cancerous. If they're determined to be cancerous, early detection will improve your chances of successful treatment.

Pap Smears

If you're one of those people who postpone their pap smears because they're uncomfortable, you might be risking your health. Pap smears are able to detect cervical cancer and other changes to the cervix early enough to provide proper treatment. Not only that, but during your pap smear, your doctor will also be able to check for changes to your vaginal walls, as well as feel for changes in your uterus. They may also conduct a physical exam of your breasts to check for changes there, as well.

Don't take chances with your health. If you're postponing your routine preventive tests, it's time to make a change. Contact your doctor to schedule those tests.