It might have been avoided with a simple test.
Health screenings save lives, prolong independence and prevent diseases. Nearly 100 percent of people surveyed in 2004 recognized that screenings for cancer or cholesterol can save lives. The Gallup Poll, however, found only a small percentage of those 1,500 adults actually gets the tests.
“It seems like an area where we can make a big impact,” said Sherry Robinson, assistant professor of internal medicine and gerontological nurse specialist at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
The poll, sponsored by the College of American Pathologists, found that while 91 percent of men over 50 agreed that regular colorectal screening could save their lives, only 54 percent had ever had one.
Robinson said she suspects fear, embarrassment and confusion are responsible for the low level of testing. Most health insurance companies cover the cost of tests, when conducted as recommended.
“Embarrassment and the fear of discomfort probably hold people back from that,” Robinson said. “Some of the screenings - pap smears and mammograms
But detecting a disease or a risk early on can save or prolong lives, she said.
High blood pressure, for instance, is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The test to detect it is a simple, quick and painless one.
“If you have high blood pressure, it can lead to so many complications, cardiac problems, stroke,” Robinson said.
“Once you have a stroke, your whole quality of life is impaired.” A task force for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that everyone have their blood pressure checked every two years.
Other screenings recommended are:
Cholesterol - Have your cholesterol checked at least every five years, starting at age 35. If you smoke, have diabetes or if heart disease runs in your family, start having your cholesterol checked at age 20.
Colorectal cancer tests - Begin regular screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you. How often you need to be tested will depend on which test you have. Diabetes tests - Have a test to screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Depression - If you've felt “down,” sad, or hopeless and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things for two weeks straight, talk to your doctor about whether he or she can screen you for depression. Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV.
Bone mineral density - Have this test at least once, especially women, and talk to your doctor about additional testing.
For men, prostate cancer screening - Talk to your doctor about the possible benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening if you are considering having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal examination (DRE).
For women, mammogram - Have a chest X-ray every one to two years starting at age 40.
For women, Pap test - Have a Pap smear every one to two years.
Adults starting at 50 are recommended to get a flu shot annually and pneumonia shot once at age 65 and a tetanus booster every 10 years.
If your health insurance pays for health screenings, Robinson said there's no excuse for not taking advantage of them.
“The main reason we should do this is because we want to grow older, healthier,” she said. “Retaining our independent functioning is real important.”
What else can you do to stay healthy?
- Don't smoke.
- Eat a healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, animal or vegetable protein (such as meat, fish, chicken, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu, or tempeh) and grains (such as rice). Limit the amount of saturated fat.
- Be physically active for 20 to 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Stay at a healthy weight.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation, meaning no more than two drinks a day.
- Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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