Men and women both require certain health scans and tests in order to maintain optimum health. They both warrant lung checks, heart checks, and blood tests to check for cholesterol and diabetes. They also both warrants having a colonoscopy starting at around age 50.
However, women need to have certain types of scans, specifically in regard to their own gender’s vulnerabilities – namely, breast cancer and osteoporosis. Plus, women who are pregnant need to have an ultrasound performed probably several times throughout the pregnancy to check the health of the baby as well as the mother’s health.
Let’s talk about the main types of imaging scans that are particularly necessary for women, and where you can go in The Bronx for outstanding medical service and state-of-the-art scanning results.
Mammograms to Detect Breast Cancer
Women are at a much greater risk of developing breast cancer than are men. Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer found in women, second only to nonmalignant skin cancer. Your doctor or OB/GYN will advise you at what age you should start having mammograms.
In men, breast cancer is rare. Only 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses in the U.S. are in men, so men should undergo this screening only if breast cancer is suspected – such as if the man has male breast cancer in his family history (brother, father, or grandfather).
Bone Density Scans to Detect Osteoporosis
A bone density scan helps a doctor to diagnose osteoporosis and to evaluate the mineral density of the bones in general. Although both men and women are at risk of osteoporosis, a woman’s risk is higher because:
- Women have thinner, smaller, and less-dense bones than men do.
- Women tend to live longer, and bone density tends to decrease with age.
- Menopause causes women to make less estrogen, which is a hormone that plays a key role in bone density. Within 10 years of the onset of menopause, some women lose 25% of their bone mass.
Statistics indicate that one in four women who are 65 or older have osteoporosis. If the condition is detected early enough, it may be able to be successfully treated medically.
Ultrasound to Monitor Pregnancy
Throughout pregnancy, a woman’s doctor will recommend having ultrasounds periodically to monitor fetal growth and development. Generally, a woman receives one ultrasound per trimester, or sometimes more if complications occur or if the woman is at high risk for certain issues.
One of the main reasons why ultrasound is a preferred imaging method for pregnancy is that it does not emit any radiation. Therefore, it won’t harm the mother or the child.
Diagnostic Imaging Center in The Bronx, NY
Starling Diagnostics provides advanced imaging services for both men and women. We offer state-of-the-art 3D mammogram technology, DEXA bone density scans, digital X-ray, and 3T MRI.
If you have any questions or would like to book an imaging scan with Starling Diagnostics, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (718) 319-1610. You may also complete our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
