Disease Prevention in Women (cont.)
Bladder cancer
Screening tests
Urine examination for blood cells (urinalysis). This may be done by dipstick with
confirmation by microscopic examination of the urine, or by initial microscopic
examination.
Bladder cancer can cause either gross hematuria
(visible blood in the urine)
or microscopic hematuria (blood in the urine only visible with a microscope).
(Note that bladder cancer is only one of many causes of blood in the urine.)
Who to test and how often
All people who are current or former cigarette smokers or who have a history
of occupational exposure to certain chemicals often used in the dye, leather,
tire, and rubber industries should have a urine examination for blood
periodically after the age of 60 years.
Benefits of early detection
Early bladder cancer may produce no symptoms and no visible bleeding in the
urine, and blood in the urine is most commonly microscopically apparent and not
seen by the naked eye.
Treatment can be effective if the cancer is detected early, and survival is
strongly associated with stage of disease at time of treatment.
Cessation of cigarette smoking is always advisable.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition with abnormally elevated intra-ocular pressures (pressure within
the eyes).
Screening tests
- Measurement of intra-ocular pressure should be a standard component of a
comprehensive eye examination.
- Note that a check up for vision does not measure intra-ocular pressure
- Intra-ocular pressure should be measured by
eye care specialists
Who to test and how often
The American Academy of Ophthalmology's recommended intervals for eye exams,
including glaucoma screening, are:
- Age 20-29: Individuals of African descent or with a
family history of
glaucoma should have an eye examination every three to five years. Others should
have an eye exam at least once during this period.
- Age 30-39: Individuals of African descent or with a family history of
glaucoma should have an eye examination every two to four years. Others should
have an eye exam at least twice during this period.
- Age 40-64: Every two to four years.
- Age 65 or older: Every one to two years.
Although there is no formal screening recommendation for healthy subjects
with normal risk, everybody over 60 years of age should have intra-ocular pressure
measurements periodically, perhaps yearly.
Benefits of early detection
Glaucoma causes extensive damage to the retina and irreversible loss of
vision without warning symptoms and before the individual becomes aware of loss
of vision.
There is good evidence that treatment of elevated eye pressure in glaucoma
can prevent blindness.
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