#United States HPV Testing and PAP Test

[sidshrek6]

The Importance of Regular Women's Health Tests: Why Routine Checkups are Vital

As a woman, I know how important it is to take care of my health. Women are often the caretakers for their families, but it's crucial that we prioritize our own health as well. One way to do this is by getting regular women's health tests. These tests can help detect potential health problems early on and prevent them from becoming more serious. In this article, I will discuss the importance of regular women's health tests, common tests that women should get, and when to start getting these tests.

Introduction to Women's Health Tests

Women's health tests are medical tests that are designed specifically for women. These tests are used to detect potential health problems early on and prevent them from becoming more serious. Women's health tests can include a variety of different tests, including Pap smears, breast exams, pelvic exams, and more. It's important to note that not all women's health tests are appropriate for every woman, and your doctor will help you determine which tests you need based on your age, medical history, and other factors.

The Importance of Regular Women's Health Tests

Regular women's health tests are important because they can help detect potential health problems early on. Early detection is key to treating many health problems, and it can often prevent serious complications from developing. For example, a Pap smear can detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous. A breast exam can detect a lump in the breast before it becomes cancerous. A pelvic exam can detect ovarian cancer in its early stages, when it's more treatable.

In addition to detecting potential health problems early on, regular women's health tests can also help monitor existing health problems. For example, if you have high blood pressure, getting regular blood pressure checks can help you and your doctor monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.

Common Women's Health Tests

There are several common women's health tests that women should get on a regular basis. These tests include:

Pap Smear

A Pap smear is a test that screens for cervical cancer. During the test, your doctor will collect cells from your cervix and send them to a lab for analysis. It is recommended that women between the ages of 21 and 65 get a Pap smear every three years, or every five years if they also get an HPV test.

Breast Exam

A breast exam is a physical exam of the breasts that is used to detect lumps, changes in the breast tissue, or other abnormalities. Women should perform monthly breast self-exams and get a clinical breast exam every one to three years, depending on their age and medical history.

Pelvic Exam

A pelvic exam is a physical exam of the reproductive organs that is used to detect potential health problems, such as ovarian cysts or fibroids. Women should start getting pelvic exams at age 21 or when they become sexually active, whichever comes first.

Women's Annual Health Check-Up List

In addition to the common women's health tests listed above, there are several other tests and screenings that women should get on an annual basis. These include:

Blood Pressure Check

High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. Women should get their blood pressure checked at least once a year.

Cholesterol Screening

High cholesterol can also lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. Women should get their cholesterol checked at least once every five years.

Blood Glucose Test

A blood glucose test screens for diabetes. Women who are at risk for diabetes should get their blood glucose checked at least once a year.

Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Women should get a skin cancer screening at least once a year, especially if they have a history of skin cancer or a family history of the disease.

The Benefits of Getting a Regular Women's Health Check-Up

There are several benefits to getting a regular women's health check-up. These include:

Early Detection of Health Problems

As mentioned earlier, regular women's health tests can help detect potential health problems early on, when they are more treatable.

Peace of Mind

Getting regular women's health tests can give you peace of mind, knowing that you are taking care of your health and doing everything you can to prevent serious health problems from developing.

Better Health Outcomes

By getting regular women's health tests and monitoring your health, you can improve your overall health outcomes and reduce your risk of developing serious health problems.

When to Start Getting Regular Women's Health Check-Ups

Women should start getting regular women's health check-ups at age 21 or when they become sexually active, whichever comes first. Women who are at higher risk for certain health problems, such as breast cancer, may need to start getting screenings earlier.

Women's Health Tests for Different Age Groups

As women age, their health needs change, and they may need to get different health tests and screenings. Here are some of the recommended health tests for different age groups:

20s and 30s

Women in their 20s and 30s should get regular Pap smears and pelvic exams, as well as breast exams every three years. They should also get blood pressure checks and cholesterol screenings every five years.

40s and 50s

Women in their 40s and 50s should continue to get regular Pap smears and pelvic exams, as well as breast exams every year. They should also get mammograms every one to two years and bone density tests every five years.

60s and Beyond

Women in their 60s and beyond should continue to get regular Pap smears and pelvic exams, as well as breast exams every year. They should also get mammograms every one to two years and bone density tests every two years.

Women's Health Tests During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women need to get a variety of health tests and screenings to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby. These tests include:

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Women should start getting prenatal care as soon as they find out they are pregnant and continue to see their doctor regularly throughout their pregnancy.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are used to screen for potential health problems, such as anemia or gestational diabetes.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is used to monitor the baby's growth and development and detect potential health problems.

Women's Health Tests for Menopause

As women go through menopause, their bodies go through significant changes, and they may need to get different health tests and screenings. Here are some of the recommended health tests for women going through menopause:

Bone Density Test

Women going through menopause are at increased risk for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures. Women should get a bone density test every two years.

Mammogram

Women going through menopause should continue to get regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer.

Conclusion - Take Charge of Your Health with Regular Women's Health Tests

In conclusion, regular women's health tests are essential for maintaining good health and preventing serious health problems. Women should start getting regular health check-ups at age 21 or when they become sexually active, whichever comes first. By getting regular women's health tests and screenings, women can detect potential health problems early on, improve their health outcomes, and take charge of their health. So, make sure to talk to best women's health doctor about which health tests and screenings are right for you, and schedule your next women's health check-up today.

Take charge of your health today by scheduling a women's health check-up. Schedule an appointment with doctors for women health and discuss which health tests and screenings are right for you. Your health is important, so don't wait – schedule your appointment today.

[credenceresearchdotblog]

The Colposcopes Market for colposcopes is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.20%, from an estimated USD 745.2 million in 2023 to USD 1393.23 million in 2032.The global colposcopes market has been experiencing significant growth, driven by technological advancements, rising prevalence of cervical cancer, and increasing awareness about women's health. Colposcopes are essential diagnostic tools used primarily in gynecology for examining the cervix, vagina, and vulva. They provide magnified and illuminated views, enabling the detection of abnormal tissue that may indicate conditions such as cervical cancer or precancerous changes.

Browse the full report at https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/global-colposcopes-market

Market Overview

The colposcopes market can be segmented based on product type, modality, end-user, and region. The major product types include optical colposcopes and video colposcopes. Optical colposcopes use binoculars to provide a stereoscopic image, while video colposcopes are equipped with a camera and a display screen, offering enhanced visualization and documentation capabilities. In terms of modality, the market can be divided into portable, stationary, and handheld colposcopes. Key end-users include hospitals, diagnostic centers, and clinics.

Market Drivers

1. Rising Incidence of Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. The increasing prevalence of this disease has necessitated the use of advanced diagnostic tools like colposcopes for early detection and treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with an estimated 570,000 new cases and 311,000 deaths in 2018.

2. Technological Advancements: Innovations in colposcope technology have significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of cervical examinations. Modern colposcopes come with features such as high-definition imaging, digital documentation, and enhanced illumination, which aid in better diagnosis and patient outcomes.

3. Increasing Awareness and Screening Programs: Governments and healthcare organizations worldwide are actively promoting cervical cancer screening programs. Initiatives like the HPV vaccination and routine Pap smear tests have increased the demand for colposcopes. Awareness campaigns and educational programs have also played a crucial role in encouraging women to undergo regular check-ups.

4. Improving Healthcare Infrastructure: The expansion of healthcare facilities, especially in developing regions, has contributed to the growth of the colposcopes market. Improved access to healthcare services and the establishment of specialized diagnostic centers have facilitated the adoption of colposcopes.

Market Challenges

1. High Cost of Colposcopes: Advanced colposcopes with sophisticated features can be expensive, which may hinder their adoption, particularly in low-resource settings. The high cost of these devices can be a significant barrier for small clinics and diagnostic centers.

2. Lack of Skilled Professionals: The accurate interpretation of colposcopy results requires specialized training and expertise. A shortage of skilled professionals can limit the effective use of colposcopes, impacting the overall market growth.

Regional Analysis

1. North America: The North American colposcopes market is driven by a well-established healthcare system, high awareness levels, and robust screening programs. The United States, in particular, holds a significant market share due to the high prevalence of cervical cancer and the presence of key market players.

2. Europe: Europe is another prominent market for colposcopes, with countries like Germany, the UK, and France leading in terms of market share. The region's strong focus on women's health and early detection of cervical cancer has fueled market growth.

3. Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Factors such as improving healthcare infrastructure, rising awareness about cervical cancer, and increasing government initiatives for screening programs are driving the market in this region. Countries like China and India are emerging as key markets due to their large population base and increasing healthcare expenditure.

4. Latin America and Middle East & Africa: These regions are gradually adopting colposcopes, driven by improving healthcare facilities and growing awareness. However, challenges such as limited access to advanced medical technologies and economic constraints still exist.

Competitive Landscape

The colposcopes market is highly competitive, with several key players focusing on product innovation and strategic partnerships to strengthen their market position. Major companies include Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, CooperSurgical, Inc., DYSIS Medical Ltd., Olympus Corporation, and Seiler Instrument Inc. These companies are investing in research and development to introduce advanced colposcopes with improved features.

Key Players

Cooper Surgical, Inc. (US)

Carl Zeiss AG (Germany)

Olympus Corporation (Japan)

Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands)

Edan Instruments, Inc. (China)

Kernel Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. (China)

MedGyn Products, Inc. (US)

ATMOS MedizinTechnik GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)

BOVIE MEDICAL (US)

DYSIS Medical Inc. (US)

Others

Segmentation

By Type of Colposcope

Optical Colposcopes

Digital Colposcopes

Video Colposcopes

Portable/Hanheld Colposcopes

By Magnification Levels

Low Magnification Colposcopes

Medium Magnification Colposcopes

High Magnification Colposcopes

By Illumination Technology

Halogen Illumination

LED Illumination

Xenon Illumination

By Application

Cervical Cancer Screening

Biopsy Guidance

Treatment Monitoring

Research and Education

By End User

Hospitals and Clinics

Diagnostic Centers

Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)

Research Institutes and Universities

Mobile Clinics and Outreach Programs

By Region

North America

U.S

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

France

UK

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

South-east Asia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

GCC Countries

South Africa

The Rest of the Middle East and Africa

Browse the full report at https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/global-colposcopes-market

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Contact:

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[moremedtech]

MIT researchers develop advanced machine learning models to detect pancreatic cancer

MIT researchers develop advanced machine learning models to detect pancreatic cancer. MIT CSAIL researchers develop advanced machine-learning models that outperform current methods in detecting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Prismatic perspectives pancreatic cancer The path forward The first documented case of pancreatic cancer dates from the 18th century. Since then, researchers have embarked on a long and difficult journey to better understand this elusive and deadly disease. To date, early intervention is the most effective cancer treatment. Unfortunately, due to its location deep within the abdomen, the pancreas is particularly difficult to detect early on. Scientists from the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), as well as Limor Appelbaum, a staff scientist in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), wanted to better identify potential high-risk patients. They set out to create two machine-learning models for the early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common type of cancer. To gain access to a large and diverse database, the team collaborated with a federated network company and used electronic health record data from multiple institutions across the United States. This vast data set contributed to the models' reliability and generalizability, making them applicable to a wide range of populations, geographical locations, and demographic groups. The two models—the “PRISM” neural network and the logistic regression model (a statistical technique for probability)—outperformed current methods. The team’s comparison showed that while standard screening criteria identify about 10 percent of PDAC cases using a five-times higher relative risk threshold, Prism can detect 35 percent of PDAC cases at this same threshold. Using AI to detect cancer risk is not a new phenomenon; algorithms analyze mammograms, CT scans for lung cancer, and assist in the analysis of Pap smear tests and HPV testing, to name a few applications. “The PRISM models stand out for their development and validation on an extensive database of over 5 million patients, surpassing the scale of most prior research in the field,” says Kai Jia, an MIT PhD student in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS), MIT CSAIL affiliate, and first author on an open-access paper in eBioMedicine outlining the new work. “The model uses routine clinical and lab data to make its predictions, and the diversity of the U.S. population is a significant advancement over other PDAC models, which are usually confined to specific geographic regions, like a few health-care centers in the U.S. Additionally, using a unique regularization technique in the training process enhanced the models' generalizability and interpretability.” “This report outlines a powerful approach to use big data and artificial intelligence algorithms to refine our approach to identifying risk profiles for cancer,” says David Avigan, a Harvard Medical School professor and the cancer center director and chief of hematology and hematologic malignancies at BIDMC, who was not involved in the study. “This approach may lead to novel strategies to identify patients with high risk for malignancy that may benefit from focused screening with the potential for early intervention.”

Prismatic perspectives pancreatic cancer

The journey toward the development of PRISM began over six years ago, fueled by firsthand experiences with the limitations of current diagnostic practices. “Approximately 80-85 percent of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, where cure is no longer an option,” says senior author Appelbaum, who is also a Harvard Medical School instructor as well as radiation oncologist. “This clinical frustration sparked the idea to delve into the wealth of data available in electronic health records (EHRs).” The CSAIL group’s close collaboration with Appelbaum made it possible to understand the combined medical and machine learning aspects of the problem better, eventually leading to a much more accurate and transparent model. “The hypothesis was that these records contained hidden clues — subtle signs and symptoms that could act as early warning signals of pancreatic cancer,” she adds. “This guided our use of federated EHR networks in developing these models, for a scalable approach for deploying risk prediction tools in health care.” Both PrismNN and PrismLR models analyze EHR data, including patient demographics, diagnoses, medications, and lab results, to assess PDAC risk. PrismNN uses artificial neural networks to detect intricate patterns in data features like age, medical history, and lab results, yielding a risk score for PDAC likelihood. PrismLR uses logistic regression for a simpler analysis, generating a probability score of PDAC based on these features. Together, the models offer a thorough evaluation of different approaches in predicting PDAC risk from the same EHR data. One paramount point for gaining the trust of physicians, the team notes, is better understanding how the models work, known in the field as interpretability. The scientists pointed out that while logistic regression models are inherently easier to interpret, recent advancements have made deep neural networks somewhat more transparent. This helped the team to refine the thousands of potentially predictive features derived from EHR of a single patient to approximately 85 critical indicators. These indicators, which include patient age, diabetes diagnosis, and an increased frequency of visits to physicians, are automatically discovered by the model but match physicians' understanding of risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer.

The path forward

Despite the promise of the PRISM models, as with all research, some parts are still a work in progress. U.S. data alone are the current diet for the models, necessitating testing and adaptation for global use. The path forward, the team notes, includes expanding the model's applicability to international datasets and integrating additional biomarkers for more refined risk assessment. “A subsequent aim for us is to facilitate the models' implementation in routine health care settings. The vision is to have these models function seamlessly in the background of health care systems, automatically analyzing patient data and alerting physicians to high-risk cases without adding to their workload,” says Jia. “A machine-learning model integrated with the EHR system could empower physicians with early alerts for high-risk patients, potentially enabling interventions well before symptoms manifest. We are eager to deploy our techniques in the real world to help all individuals enjoy longer, healthier lives.” Jia wrote the paper alongside Applebaum and MIT EECS Professor and CSAIL Principal Investigator Martin Rinard, who are both senior authors of the paper. Researchers on the paper were supported during their time at MIT CSAIL, in part, by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Boeing, the National Science Foundation, and Aarno Labs. TriNetX provided resources for the project, and the Prevent Cancer Foundation also supported the team. Source: MIT Read the full article

[jcmarchi]

New Hope for Early Pancreatic Cancer Intervention via AI-based Risk Prediction - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/new-hope-for-early-pancreatic-cancer-intervention-via-ai-based-risk-prediction-technology-org/

New Hope for Early Pancreatic Cancer Intervention via AI-based Risk Prediction - Technology Org

The first documented case of pancreatic cancer dates back to the 18th century. Since then, researchers have undertaken a protracted and challenging odyssey to understand the elusive and deadly disease. To date, there is no better cancer treatment than early intervention. Unfortunately, the pancreas, nestled deep within the abdomen, is particularly elusive for early detection. 

Image credit: MIT CSAIL

MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) scientists, alongside Limor Appelbaum, a staff scientist in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), were eager to better identify potential high-risk patients. They set out to develop two machine-learning models for early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common form of the cancer.

To access a broad and diverse database, the team synced up with a federated network company, using electronic health record data from various institutions across the United States. This vast pool of data helped ensure the models’ reliability and generalizability, making them applicable across a wide range of populations, geographical locations, and demographic groups.

The two models — the “PRISM” neural network, and the logistic regression model (a statistical technique for probability), outperformed current methods. The team’s comparison showed that while standard screening criteria identify about 10 percent of PDAC cases using a five-times higher relative risk threshold, Prism can detect 35 percent of PDAC cases at this same threshold. 

Using AI to detect cancer risk is not a new phenomena — algorithms analyze mammograms, CT scans for lung cancer, and assist in the analysis of Pap smear tests and HPV testing, to name a few applications. “The PRISM models stand out for their development and validation on an extensive database of over 5 million patients, surpassing the scale of most prior research in the field,” says Kai Jia, an MIT PhD student in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS), MIT CSAIL affiliate, and first author on an open-access paper in eBioMedicine outlining the new work.

“The model uses routine clinical and lab data to make its predictions, and the diversity of the U.S. population is a significant advancement over other PDAC models, which are usually confined to specific geographic regions, like a few health-care centers in the U.S. Additionally, using a unique regularization technique in the training process enhanced the models’ generalizability and interpretability.” 

“This report outlines a powerful approach to use big data and artificial intelligence algorithms to refine our approach to identifying risk profiles for cancer,” says David Avigan, a Harvard Medical School professor and the cancer center director and chief of hematology and hematologic malignancies at BIDMC, who was not involved in the study. “This approach may lead to novel strategies to identify patients with high risk for malignancy that may benefit from focused screening with the potential for early intervention.” 

Prismatic perspectives

The journey toward the development of PRISM began over six years ago, fueled by firsthand experiences with the limitations of current diagnostic practices. “Approximately 80-85 percent of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, where cure is no longer an option,” says senior author Appelbaum, who is also a Harvard Medical School instructor as well as radiation oncologist. “This clinical frustration sparked the idea to delve into the wealth of data available in electronic health records (EHRs).”

The CSAIL group’s close collaboration with Appelbaum made it possible to understand the combined medical and machine learning aspects of the problem better, eventually leading to a much more accurate and transparent model. “The hypothesis was that these records contained hidden clues — subtle signs and symptoms that could act as early warning signals of pancreatic cancer,” she adds. “This guided our use of federated EHR networks in developing these models, for a scalable approach for deploying risk prediction tools in health care.”

Both PrismNN and PrismLR models analyze EHR data, including patient demographics, diagnoses, medications, and lab results, to assess PDAC risk. PrismNN uses artificial neural networks to detect intricate patterns in data features like age, medical history, and lab results, yielding a risk score for PDAC likelihood. PrismLR uses logistic regression for a simpler analysis, generating a probability score of PDAC based on these features. Together, the models offer a thorough evaluation of different approaches in predicting PDAC risk from the same EHR data.

One paramount point for gaining the trust of physicians, the team notes, is better understanding how the models work, known in the field as interpretability. The scientists pointed out that while logistic regression models are inherently easier to interpret, recent advancements have made deep neural networks somewhat more transparent. This helped the team to refine the thousands of potentially predictive features derived from EHR of a single patient to approximately 85 critical indicators. These indicators, which include patient age, diabetes diagnosis, and an increased frequency of visits to physicians, are automatically discovered by the model but match physicians’ understanding of risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer. 

The path forward

Despite the promise of the PRISM models, as with all research, some parts are still a work in progress. U.S. data alone are the current diet for the models, necessitating testing and adaptation for global use. The path forward, the team notes, includes expanding the model’s applicability to international datasets and integrating additional biomarkers for more refined risk assessment.

“A subsequent aim for us is to facilitate the models’ implementation in routine health care settings. The vision is to have these models function seamlessly in the background of health care systems, automatically analyzing patient data and alerting physicians to high-risk cases without adding to their workload,” says Jia. “A machine-learning model integrated with the EHR system could empower physicians with early alerts for high-risk patients, potentially enabling interventions well before symptoms manifest. We are eager to deploy our techniques in the real world to help all individuals enjoy longer, healthier lives.” 

Written by Rachel Gordon

Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.

[health-insurance-struggles]

Preventative Care vs Routine Care

(yes, there is a difference)

First, everyone please pause and say thank you to the Affordable Care Act. This bill requires your insurance company to cover certain services at 100%- meaning zero charge to you (within your plan limitations, such as using an in-network provider). There is a wide variety of services, and I'll mention a few below, but the main thing to know is preventative versus routine.

Please know this is highly dependent on your plan, since it may cover additional preventative services or have different processing rules.

Preventative Care is defined as medical services designed to prevent a medical issue.

Routine Care is defined as care that is given on a regular basis, but is not automatically preventative.

Confusing? Yep. It's meant to be. Welcome to the wonderful world of preventative care.

A routine service is not necessarily a preventative service. For example, a Vitamin D lab test is a routine test ordered by doctors, but it is not required to be covered as preventative. See what I mean by routine versus preventative? It's messy.

Preventative Service Examples

Here are a few things that are considered preventative screenings. I won't list all of them, but I've linked the ACA and USPSTF sites below.

Yearly Physical

Cervical Cancer screening (pap smear)

Colorectal Cancer screening (colonoscopy)

Breast Cancer Screening (mammogram)

STD screenings (Syphilis, HIV, Hep B, Hep C)

Hypertension screening

Immunizations (Chickenpox, Flu, Hep A, Hep B, HPV, Measles, Meningococcal, Mumps, Whooping Cough, Pneumococcal, Rubella, Shingles, Tetanus)

Tobacco Use screening

STI preventative counseling

Alcohol misuse screening and counseling

Cholesterol Screening

Diabetes type 2 screening

Notice a fairly common word? Screening. Meaning, nothing has been found that could require investigation or additional testing. If you get a colonoscopy and they find a polyp, it's now diagnostic and not required to be covered 100%.

The above are required services that must be covered. There are additional recommendations made by the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF), which is what most insurance companies use (link below). The only required services are the "A" requirements, but your plan could choose to cover more of them.

Another important thing to know about your yearly physical. You go in, you get your weight/height/blood pressure etc taken, then you see your doctor. Then they ask you a question: "Do you have any additional concerns for today?" and your answer should be NO. The second you open your mouth and say "oh, I've been having this weird pain in my wrist" is the second your visit stops being preventative.

What's even better is that your doctor can legally charge you for a preventative physical and an office visit that is not preventative, all because you told them one tiny concern. If you have concerns, save it for another visit or make peace with paying a bill. The physical should still be covered 100%, but there's no guarantee the office visit will be. Fun!

This all comes back to avoiding a bill. Obviously, there are times you can't. You have no control over a lump on your breast or a polyp in your colon, two things that can turn your preventative services into diagnostic. For everything else, make sure you specifically request only preventative services and bring a list. If your plan covers additional services, great! If it sticks to the exact list, know what is covered.

Knowledge is power. Walk into your appointment with every scrap you can get.

Healthcare.gov link

United States Preventative Services Task Force link

[sid-health-care-blog]

The Importance of Regular Women's Health Tests: Why Routine Checkups are Vital

As a woman, I know how important it is to take care of my health. Women are often the caretakers for their families, but it's crucial that we prioritize our own health as well. One way to do this is by getting regular women's health tests. These tests can help detect potential health problems early on and prevent them from becoming more serious. In this article, I will discuss the importance of regular women's health tests, common tests that women should get, and when to start getting these tests.

Introduction to Women's Health Tests

Women's health tests are medical tests that are designed specifically for women. These tests are used to detect potential health problems early on and prevent them from becoming more serious. Women's health tests can include a variety of different tests, including Pap smears, breast exams, pelvic exams, and more. It's important to note that not all women's health tests are appropriate for every woman, and your doctor will help you determine which tests you need based on your age, medical history, and other factors.

The Importance of Regular Women's Health Tests

Regular women's health tests are important because they can help detect potential health problems early on. Early detection is key to treating many health problems, and it can often prevent serious complications from developing. For example, a Pap smear can detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous. A breast exam can detect a lump in the breast before it becomes cancerous. A pelvic exam can detect ovarian cancer in its early stages, when it's more treatable.

In addition to detecting potential health problems early on, regular women's health tests can also help monitor existing health problems. For example, if you have high blood pressure, getting regular blood pressure checks can help you and your doctor monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.

Common Women's Health Tests

There are several common women's health tests that women should get on a regular basis. These tests include:

Pap Smear

A Pap smear is a test that screens for cervical cancer. During the test, your doctor will collect cells from your cervix and send them to a lab for analysis. It is recommended that women between the ages of 21 and 65 get a Pap smear every three years, or every five years if they also get an HPV test.

Breast Exam

A breast exam is a physical exam of the breasts that is used to detect lumps, changes in the breast tissue, or other abnormalities. Women should perform monthly breast self-exams and get a clinical breast exam every one to three years, depending on their age and medical history.

Pelvic Exam

A pelvic exam is a physical exam of the reproductive organs that is used to detect potential health problems, such as ovarian cysts or fibroids. Women should start getting pelvic exams at age 21 or when they become sexually active, whichever comes first.

Women's Annual Health Check-Up List

In addition to the common women's health tests listed above, there are several other tests and screenings that women should get on an annual basis. These include:

Blood Pressure Check

High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. Women should get their blood pressure checked at least once a year.

Cholesterol Screening

High cholesterol can also lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. Women should get their cholesterol checked at least once every five years.

Blood Glucose Test

A blood glucose test screens for diabetes. Women who are at risk for diabetes should get their blood glucose checked at least once a year.

Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Women should get a skin cancer screening at least once a year, especially if they have a history of skin cancer or a family history of the disease.

The Benefits of Getting a Regular Women's Health Check-Up

There are several benefits to getting a regular women's health check-up. These include:

Early Detection of Health Problems

As mentioned earlier, regular women's health tests can help detect potential health problems early on, when they are more treatable.

Peace of Mind

Getting regular women's health tests can give you peace of mind, knowing that you are taking care of your health and doing everything you can to prevent serious health problems from developing.

Better Health Outcomes

By getting regular women's health tests and monitoring your health, you can improve your overall health outcomes and reduce your risk of developing serious health problems.

When to Start Getting Regular Women's Health Check-Ups

Women should start getting regular women's health check-ups at age 21 or when they become sexually active, whichever comes first. Women who are at higher risk for certain health problems, such as breast cancer, may need to start getting screenings earlier.

Women's Health Tests for Different Age Groups

As women age, their health needs change, and they may need to get different health tests and screenings. Here are some of the recommended health tests for different age groups:

20s and 30s

Women in their 20s and 30s should get regular Pap smears and pelvic exams, as well as breast exams every three years. They should also get blood pressure checks and cholesterol screenings every five years.

40s and 50s

Women in their 40s and 50s should continue to get regular Pap smears and pelvic exams, as well as breast exams every year. They should also get mammograms every one to two years and bone density tests every five years.

60s and Beyond

Women in their 60s and beyond should continue to get regular Pap smears and pelvic exams, as well as breast exams every year. They should also get mammograms every one to two years and bone density tests every two years.

Women's Health Tests During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women need to get a variety of health tests and screenings to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby. These tests include:

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Women should start getting prenatal care as soon as they find out they are pregnant and continue to see their doctor regularly throughout their pregnancy.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are used to screen for potential health problems, such as anemia or gestational diabetes.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is used to monitor the baby's growth and development and detect potential health problems.

Women's Health Tests for Menopause

As women go through menopause, their bodies go through significant changes, and they may need to get different health tests and screenings. Here are some of the recommended health tests for women going through menopause:

Bone Density Test

Women going through menopause are at increased risk for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures. Women should get a bone density test every two years.

Mammogram

Women going through menopause should continue to get regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer.

Conclusion - Take Charge of Your Health with Regular Women's Health Tests

In conclusion, regular women's health tests are essential for maintaining good health and preventing serious health problems. Women should start getting regular health check-ups at age 21 or when they become sexually active, whichever comes first. By getting regular women's health tests and screenings, women can detect potential health problems early on, improve their health outcomes, and take charge of their health. So, make sure to talk to best women's health doctor about which health tests and screenings are right for you, and schedule your next women's health check-up today.

Take charge of your health today by scheduling a women's health check-up. Schedule an appointment with doctors for women health and discuss which health tests and screenings are right for you. Your health is important, so don't wait – schedule your appointment today.

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Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD ) Information for Women

STIs and STDs in ladies

Explicitly communicated contaminations and infections (STIs and STDs) are sent through vaginal, butt-centric, or oral sexual contact. Side effects of a STD for those with a vagina can include:

vaginal tingling

rashes

strange release

torment

Numerous STIs show no indications by any stretch of the imagination. Left untreated, they can prompt ripeness issues and an expanded danger of cervical malignant growth. These dangers make it much more critical to rehearse more secure sex.

Consistently around the world, there are roughly 376 million new transmissions of syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

Since numerous individuals with vaginas don't show indications with some STIs, they may not realize they need treatment. It's assessed that upwards of 1 of every 6 Americans has genital herpes, yet most are ignorant that they have it.

Basic STIs in ladies

Probably the most well-known STIs in ladies and those with a vagina include:

human papillomavirus (HPV)

gonorrhea

chlamydia

genital herpes

HPV is the most widely recognized STI in ladies. It's additionally the primary driver of cervical malignant growth.

An immunization is accessible that can help forestall certain strains of HPV up to age 45 years. For more data, read about the upsides and downsides of the HPV antibody.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia are normal bacterial STIs. Truth be told, chlamydia is the most usually revealed STI in the Unites States.

A few gynecologists will naturally check for both during ordinary tests, yet you ought to request clinical screening in the event that you figure you might be in danger.

Genital herpes is additionally normal, with around 1 out of 6 individuals between the ages 14 and 49 years having it.

Normal side effects of STIs

Ladies ought to know about conceivable STI manifestations so they can look for clinical guidance if fundamental. The absolute most basic manifestations are depicted underneath.

Changes in pee. A STI can be demonstrated by torment or a consuming sensation during pee, the need to pee all the more habitually, or the presence of blood in the pee.

Irregular vaginal release. The look and consistency of vaginal release changes constantly through a lady's cycle or even without a cycle. Thick, white release can be an indication of a yeast contamination. At the point when release is yellow or green, it may show gonorrhea or trichomoniasis.

Tingling in the vaginal region. Tingling is a vague side effect that might be identified with a STI. Sex-related foundations for vaginal tingling may include:

hypersensitive response to a latex condom

yeast contamination

pubic lice or scabies

genital moles

the beginning stages of generally bacterial and viral STIs

Agony during sex. This indication is frequently disregarded, however stomach or pelvic torment can be an indication of pelvic incendiary illness (PID). PID is most regularly brought about by the high level phase of chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Irregular dying. Unusual draining is another conceivable indication of PID or other regenerative issues cause by a STI.

Rashes or wounds. Bruises or small pimples around the mouth or vagina can show herpes, HPV, or syphilis.

Avoidance

Everybody should take certain preventive measures to abstain from obtaining or sending STIs.

Get tried consistently

Normally, those with a vagina ought to get a Pap smear each 3 to 5 years. It's likewise imperative to inquire as to whether you ought to be tried for some other STIs and whether the HPV inoculation is proposed.

As per the Office on Women's Health, you should converse with your primary care physician about STI testing in case you're explicitly dynamic.

Use assurance

Regardless of whether it's for vaginal, butt-centric, or oral sex, a condom or other hindrance strategy can help ensure both you and your accomplice. Female condoms and dental dams can give a specific degree of assurance.

Spermicides, the anti-conception medication pill, and different types of contraception may secure against pregnancy, however they don't ensure against STIs.

Impart

Genuine correspondence with both your primary care physician and your partner(s) about sexual history is fundamental.

STIs and pregnancy

An individual can get STIs while pregnant. Since numerous conditions don't show indications, a few people don't understand they're living with one. Consequently, specialists may run a full STI board toward the start of a pregnancy.

These conditions can be dangerous to you and your infant. You can give STIs to your child during pregnancy or birth, so early treatment is fundamental.

All bacterial STIs can be dealt with securely with anti-microbials during pregnancy. Viral conditions can be treated with antivirals to forestall the probability of passing the condition to your youngster.

STIs and rape

A few people will create STIs as an immediate consequence of a rape. At the point when ladies see a medical services supplier quickly following an attack, the medical services supplier attempts to catch DNA and assess for wounds.

During this cycle, they check for potential STI analysis. On the off chance that some time has passed since a rape, you should in any case look for clinical consideration. Your primary care physician or another medical services supplier can talk about potentially announcing the occasion, alongside wellbeing related concerns.

Contingent upon the individual and their individual danger variables and clinical history, the medical services supplier may endorse preventive therapy, including:

anti-infection agents

a hepatitis immunization

a HPV immunization

HIV antiviral prescription

Circling back to a medical services supplier at the prescribed time is essential to guarantee that the meds were viable and that no conditions should be dealt with.

What to do whenever you've been analyzed

Here are a couple of things you ought to do subsequent to being determined to have a STI:

Start any treatment your PCP recommends for you right away.

Contact your partner(s) and let them realize that they need to get tried and treated, as well.

Go without sex until the condition is either relieved or until your PCP gives endorsement. On account of bacterial conditions, you should stand by until the meds have restored you and your accomplice.

For viral conditions, stand by long enough for your accomplice to be on antiviral drugs, if important, to lessen the danger of communicating the condition to them. Your PCP will actually want to give you the right time span.

[sciencenewsforstudents]

The first vaccine against chlamydia has passed its first test in humans.

About three dozen healthy women were randomly assigned one of two versions of a chlamydia vaccine or a placebo treatment in a clinical trial. Both vaccine versions were shown to be safe, and both produced an immune response not seen in the placebo group, researchers report online August 12 in the Lancet Infectious Diseases.

“These promising results provide encouragement,” says pediatric infectious disease specialist Toni Darville of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, who coauthored a commentary accompanying the study. Chlamydia can lead to disabling, long-term complications for women, so a vaccine against the disease could have a big effect on public health, she says.

Chlamydia, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, with around 131 million women and men newly infected worldwide each year. In the United States, it’s the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria, with at least 1.7 million cases in 2017, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But those numbers could be low, researchers say, as infections can go unreported: The disease can produce general symptoms that may not be recognized as chlamydia, such as genital discharge or pain or no symptoms at all.  

INFECTED CELLS A microscope slide of a pap smear sample shows cells infected with Chlamydia trachomatis. An infection can cause chronic pain or infertility if untreated. CREDIT: DR. LANCE LIOTTA LABORATORY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Antibiotics can clear a chlamydia infection from the body. But left untreated, the disease can wreak reproductive havoc on women. An infection targets the cervix, and, for about 1 in 6 women, spreads to the uterus and fallopian tubes where it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

“The percentage of women who develop these long-term complications is relatively low,” Darville says. But the high number of infections overall, she says, means that “a significant number of women” go on to have chronic pelvic pain or infertility, or both.

Developing a vaccine that protects against C. trachomatis is challenging, however, because the bacteria live a complex life within the human body. During an infection, the microbes make their way inside cells that line the reproductive organs. Based on studies in animals, researchers expect that a successful vaccine needs to provoke a strong immune response in two key ways: with antibodies, to fight the bacteria outside of cells, and with immune system proteins and cells, such as T cells, that help to clear bacteria from within infected cells.

In the clinical trial, immunologist and vaccine researcher Robin Shattock of Imperial College London and colleagues tested two versions of a chlamydia vaccine. Both versions triggered an immune response, via antibodies and T cells, but one formulation performed better than the other. Further testing will proceed with that version. The next step will be to see if the vaccine prevents infection compared with a placebo, and would involve volunteers who are at risk of infection, Shattock says.

If the vaccine passes the next clinical tests and is approved for use, the ideal age to vaccinate girls and boys would be around 11 or 12, roughly the same as for the human papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine (SN Online: 4/28/17). “We are cautiously optimistic,” Shattock says. “A vaccine against chlamydia is an important unmet need.”

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Gynecologic Cancers Surgery

Any woman is susceptible to acquiring one or more of the malignancies known as Gynecologic cancers because they begin in a woman’s reproductive organs. According to the American Cancer Society, 109,000 new cases are diagnosed and 33,000 people pass away from cancer each year in the United States.

Why do gynecologic cancers occur?

Gynecologic cancer can be caused by a variety of reasons. According to research, certain gene classes encourage the development of cancer. These genes’ aberrant behavior can develop as a result of smoking, ageing, environmental factors, or genetics. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for the majority of cervical cancers as well as some vaginal and vulvar cancers.

Various gynaecologic malignancies and their symptoms:

Cervical cancer

The cervix, a portion of the uterus, is where cervical cancer first manifests itself. The only gynecologic cancer that can be avoided with routine screenings and immunizations is cervical cancer, which is brought on by abnormal alterations in cells. Although women between the ages of 30 and 55 are most commonly affected, everyone is susceptible. For prevention, routine Pap exams and HPV testing are crucial.

Ovarian Cancer

The seventh most frequent malignancy in women and the main killer of gynaecologic cancers is ovarian cancer. Normally, it starts in cells on the ovary's surface. The abdominal cavity can become colonised by these cancer cells. Ovarian cancer affects one in every 17 women over the course of their lives, and only 15% of cases are discovered when it is most treatable.

Uterine Cancer

The uterine lining is where uterine cancer first manifests itself. Endometrial carcinoma is the most typical kind of uterine cancer. The endometrium is the tissue that is expelled once a month during a menstrual cycle. Uterine cancer often develops around or after menopause, however younger women over the age of 35 are also at risk. Unfortunately, there is no screening procedure for endometrial cancer. Due to the lack of a screening test for endometrial cancer, it's critical to be aware of the signs and symptoms and consult a doctor if you have any concerns.

Treatment Options for Gynecologic Cancer

Radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery are all possible forms of treatment. Gynecologic cancer patients frequently receive multiple types of treatment. Surgery: During an operation, doctors remove cancerous tissue. Chemotherapy: The use of specialized drugs to reduce or eradicate cancer.

Every woman’s experience with gynecologic cancer is unique, and surgery is frequently used as part of the treatment to get rid of the tumor as much as feasible. Because there will be less tumor to treat, shrinking the tumor increases the effectiveness of following chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

When surgery is necessary as part of a patient’s specific treatment plan, specialists at UT Southwestern try to perform the procedure using minimally invasive methods. Patients heal more quickly, resume their normal lifestyles sooner, or move on to the next stage of therapy with the use of a typical laparoscopic technique or robot-assisted surgery.

Additionally, our team is very skilled at handling side effects from earlier gynecologic cancer therapies. These issues may cause fistulas that our skilled surgeons may need to correct.

[jcmarchi]

New hope for early pancreatic cancer intervention via AI-based risk prediction

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/new-hope-for-early-pancreatic-cancer-intervention-via-ai-based-risk-prediction/

New hope for early pancreatic cancer intervention via AI-based risk prediction

The first documented case of pancreatic cancer dates back to the 18th century. Since then, researchers have undertaken a protracted and challenging odyssey to understand the elusive and deadly disease. To date, there is no better cancer treatment than early intervention. Unfortunately, the pancreas, nestled deep within the abdomen, is particularly elusive for early detection. 

MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) scientists, alongside Limor Appelbaum, a staff scientist in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), were eager to better identify potential high-risk patients. They set out to develop two machine-learning models for early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common form of the cancer. To access a broad and diverse database, the team synced up with a federated network company, using electronic health record data from various institutions across the United States. This vast pool of data helped ensure the models’ reliability and generalizability, making them applicable across a wide range of populations, geographical locations, and demographic groups.

The two models — the “PRISM” neural network, and the logistic regression model (a statistical technique for probability), outperformed current methods. The team’s comparison showed that while standard screening criteria identify about 10 percent of PDAC cases using a five-times higher relative risk threshold, Prism can detect 35 percent of PDAC cases at this same threshold. 

Using AI to detect cancer risk is not a new phenomena — algorithms analyze mammograms, CT scans for lung cancer, and assist in the analysis of Pap smear tests and HPV testing, to name a few applications. “The PRISM models stand out for their development and validation on an extensive database of over 5 million patients, surpassing the scale of most prior research in the field,” says Kai Jia, an MIT PhD student in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS), MIT CSAIL affiliate, and first author on an open-access paper in eBioMedicine outlining the new work. “The model uses routine clinical and lab data to make its predictions, and the diversity of the U.S. population is a significant advancement over other PDAC models, which are usually confined to specific geographic regions, like a few health-care centers in the U.S. Additionally, using a unique regularization technique in the training process enhanced the models’ generalizability and interpretability.” 

“This report outlines a powerful approach to use big data and artificial intelligence algorithms to refine our approach to identifying risk profiles for cancer,” says David Avigan, a Harvard Medical School professor and the cancer center director and chief of hematology and hematologic malignancies at BIDMC, who was not involved in the study. “This approach may lead to novel strategies to identify patients with high risk for malignancy that may benefit from focused screening with the potential for early intervention.” 

Prismatic perspectives

The journey toward the development of PRISM began over six years ago, fueled by firsthand experiences with the limitations of current diagnostic practices. “Approximately 80-85 percent of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, where cure is no longer an option,” says senior author Appelbaum, who is also a Harvard Medical School instructor as well as radiation oncologist. “This clinical frustration sparked the idea to delve into the wealth of data available in electronic health records (EHRs).”

The CSAIL group’s close collaboration with Appelbaum made it possible to understand the combined medical and machine learning aspects of the problem better, eventually leading to a much more accurate and transparent model. “The hypothesis was that these records contained hidden clues — subtle signs and symptoms that could act as early warning signals of pancreatic cancer,” she adds. “This guided our use of federated EHR networks in developing these models, for a scalable approach for deploying risk prediction tools in health care.”

Both PrismNN and PrismLR models analyze EHR data, including patient demographics, diagnoses, medications, and lab results, to assess PDAC risk. PrismNN uses artificial neural networks to detect intricate patterns in data features like age, medical history, and lab results, yielding a risk score for PDAC likelihood. PrismLR uses logistic regression for a simpler analysis, generating a probability score of PDAC based on these features. Together, the models offer a thorough evaluation of different approaches in predicting PDAC risk from the same EHR data.

One paramount point for gaining the trust of physicians, the team notes, is better understanding how the models work, known in the field as interpretability. The scientists pointed out that while logistic regression models are inherently easier to interpret, recent advancements have made deep neural networks somewhat more transparent. This helped the team to refine the thousands of potentially predictive features derived from EHR of a single patient to approximately 85 critical indicators. These indicators, which include patient age, diabetes diagnosis, and an increased frequency of visits to physicians, are automatically discovered by the model but match physicians’ understanding of risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer. 

The path forward

Despite the promise of the PRISM models, as with all research, some parts are still a work in progress. U.S. data alone are the current diet for the models, necessitating testing and adaptation for global use. The path forward, the team notes, includes expanding the model’s applicability to international datasets and integrating additional biomarkers for more refined risk assessment.

“A subsequent aim for us is to facilitate the models’ implementation in routine health care settings. The vision is to have these models function seamlessly in the background of health care systems, automatically analyzing patient data and alerting physicians to high-risk cases without adding to their workload,” says Jia. “A machine-learning model integrated with the EHR system could empower physicians with early alerts for high-risk patients, potentially enabling interventions well before symptoms manifest. We are eager to deploy our techniques in the real world to help all individuals enjoy longer, healthier lives.” 

Jia wrote the paper alongside Applebaum and MIT EECS Professor and CSAIL Principal Investigator Martin Rinard, who are both senior authors of the paper. Researchers on the paper were supported during their time at MIT CSAIL, in part, by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Boeing, the National Science Foundation, and Aarno Labs. TriNetX provided resources for the project, and the Prevent Cancer Foundation also supported the team.