Keeping up with cancer screenings is one of those things that can easily fall to the bottom of your to-do list. Work gets busy. Family needs trump your own. And before you know it, a year turns into two before you realize you never scheduled that appointment.
But when it comes to preventive cancer screenings, staying on schedule is extremely important.
If you need to book breast or cervical cancer screening in Englewood, NJ, come to Metropolitan Medical Associates.
What Does “On Schedule” Really Mean?
There’s no single schedule that works for all women. Your recommended timing depends on many factors, including:
- Your age
- Health history
- Family history of breast and cervical cancer
- Previous screening results
- Certain risk factors
Screening works best when it becomes a regular part of your healthcare routine.
If you aren’t sure if you’re due or overdue for preventive screenings, now is a good time to ask. A healthcare provider at Metropolitan Medical Associates will review your history and figure out which screenings make sense for you now.
How Often Do I Need Breast Cancer Screening?
Breast cancer screening involves a mammogram, which uses X-ray images to look for changes in breast tissue that may not be noticeable during a physical exam.
The recommended timing for mammograms varies based on your age and individual risk.
Women ages 40 to 44 should get screenings every two years. Women ages 45 to 54 should get a yearly mammogram while women ages 55 and older should undergo screening every one to two years.
Some women may need to begin screening earlier or have additional testing because of a strong family history or other risk factors.
If you’ve missed a mammogram, do not assume you’ve “waited too long” for screening to be useful. Instead, call our office and make an appointment.
Regular screening allows for earlier detection, which can improve treatment outcomes.
What About Cervical Cancer Screening?
Cervical cancer screening is another important part of routine women’s healthcare.
You may have heard of a Pap test, which checks cervical cells for changes that could become cancerous. HPV testing is often included as well because certain types of human papillomavirus increase the risk of cervical cancer.
How often you need screening depends on your age, risk factors, and family history.
Women ages 21 to 29 should get a pap smear every three years. Women ages 30 to 65 should get a Pap test, as well as an HPV test, every five years.
Of course, your provider can help determine the right schedule for you.
Why Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Englewood, NJ Is So Important
Breast and cervical cancer screenings play a key role in your overall health and wellness. Routine screenings can detect changes before you notice anything is wrong.
Early detection is crucial. A mammogram can spot changes in breast tissue that may be too small to feel. Cervical cancer screening can identify abnormal cell changes that can be treated before they develop into cancer.
These tests aren’t about expecting the worst. Instead they’re about staying informed and taking care of your health.
Staying on Schedule Starts With One Appointment
Preventive care is easy to put off, especially when life is endlessly busy. But, it’s much harder to get back on track after several years have passed.
If you’re unsure when your last breast or cervical cancer screening was, now is a good time to check. And if you’re overdue, it’s okay! There’s no better time than now to get back on track.
Contact Metropolitan Medical Associates at 201.429.9748 to schedule preventive screenings today.
Learn More About Our Compassionate, Highly Specialized Abortion Providers in Englewood, NJ
Located just three miles from the George Washington Bridge in Englewood, New Jersey, Metropolitan Medical Associates is a state-licensed ambulatory care gynecological center dedicated to providing comprehensive women’s healthcare with the utmost regard for privacy, dignity, and confidentiality.
Decades of Combined Medical Expertise
Our clinical care is led by a dedicated team of board-certified gynecologists bringing over 100 years of combined experience to our practice. Supported by licensed medical personnel, an M.D. Anesthesiologist, and an on-site licensed laboratory, our medical team delivers high-quality, individualized care in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Certified Specialty Services
- Comprehensive Pregnancy Termination Care: Specially certified by the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners to perform surgical and non-surgical abortions, administer the Abortion Pill, and provide care through 27 weeks of gestation.
- Women’s Health & Preventive Gynecology: Expert guidance and care across a broad range of gynecological needs, including birth control, STD screenings, cervical and breast cancer awareness, and cardiovascular health.
- Hospital Affiliations: Our physicians hold hospital privileges at nearby Englewood Hospital.
Accredited for Quality & Safety
Metropolitan Medical Associates is accredited by AAAASF (The Gold Standard in Accreditation) and strictly adheres to state and federal safety guidelines established by the State of New Jersey and the Department of Health & Human Services. We are also a proud member of the National Abortion Federation (NAF).To learn more about our medical services or to schedule an appointment, visit our Contact & Appointment Request page or reach out directly to our team.