How I missed my checkups… again

Full confession: I, Tamika Felder, global cancer advocate and recent appointee to The White House’s National Cancer Advisory Board (NCAB), put off my annual preventative screenings last year.  

If there’s anyone who should be on top of their checkups, it’s me – especially since missing a couple of critical gynecological exams in my early twenties might have let my cervical cancer progress undetected.

So, what happened? Essentially, I fell into the trap that many parents fall into. Last year was my first year as a mom, and I focused on my child and put off a lot of my appointments. One of my providers didn’t take my insurance anymore. It was really hard to find another provider that had availability.

All excuses. The year came and went.

Tamika Felder touches her newborn son Chayton's foot while looking at him lovingly. Her husband Juan "Rocky" Campbell holds Chayton, who has a pacifier in his mouth.
That’s my husband, Rocky, with me and our son, Chayton, last year. I have even more reason to look after my health now that I’m a parent. [photo credit: D. Finney] 

Don’t put yours off!

It’s National Women’s Health Week (May 12 to 18) in the U.S., which is a great time to prioritize your own health. 

I’m happy to report that I’m healthy and have already booked most of next year’s checkups. Consider this your friendly reminder to schedule your screenings, too. Here are some important ones: 

Cervical cancer screenings

These screenings are recommended for women with a cervix starting at age 25, but the schedule depends on your age and risk factors. If you’re between 21 and 29, your doctor might suggest a Pap test every three years. For women aged 30 to 65, you have a few options: a Pap test every three years, an HPV test alone every five years, or co-testing (Pap test along with HPV test) every five years. Chat with your doctor to figure out which screening option is best for you

Breast cancer screenings

A mammogram is typically recommended every one to two years for women aged 40 to 74. If you’re at a higher risk of breast cancer, your doctor might suggest starting screenings earlier. How often you need mammograms can vary based on your age and personal risk factors, so it’s best to talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.

Tamika Felder in a hospital gown at her radiologist's office, ready to get her mammogram. She stands in front of a wall with a sign that says, "Did You Get #TheMammo"?
I was at the radiology office last week for my overdue mammogram. I loved the teal robe since it’s like the teal and white of the cervical cancer ribbon. 

Colon cancer screenings

A colonoscopy is usually recommended for all adults starting at 45 up to 75, though this may vary depending on guidelines and individual risk factors. Discuss these things with your doctor to determine the best screening schedule for you. (Side note: My father died of colon cancer so this is the one screening I never miss.)

Other screenings

There are other important preventative screenings your doctor may recommend based on your age, family history, and overall health including:

Bone density scans: For women at risk for osteoporosis, typically starting at age 65.

Blood pressure checks: Recommended regularly for all adults.

Diabetes screenings: May be recommended for women with risk factors, such as a family history of diabetes or obesity.

Remember, make that appointment. Call your doctor. Don’t suffer in silence or sit there too scared to go in and find out what’s going on. Take it from me, you have to take care of yourself to take care of anyone else, children included.

As always, put on your oxygen mask first.

xo

Tamika