Women’s health; Even the small things matter

Published Feb. 24, 2015
By Senior Airman Tiffany DeNault
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- According to the American Cancer Society, in 2013 there were 64,640 noninvasive cases of breast cancer, 232,340 invasive cases and 39,620 deaths. Also, the American Cancer Society estimates in 2015 about 12,900 new invasive cervical cancer cases and about 4,100 women will die from cervical cancer.

Many women procrastinate taking care of their own bodies or dismiss the pain as nothing important. There are so many things to do in the day; who has time to make a doctor's appointment? The pain, lump, weird feeling could possibly be nothing but why risk it? Take the time to make that appointment, take care of yourself.

"Most women are mothers so they put everything else before themselves," said Capt. Laureal Jones, Women's Health nurse practitioner. "Or for those who don't have anyone to take care of think it wasn't that serious or is not a big deal because they have been dealing with it for so long."

Anything that's outside the norm may be nothing but it's better to get it checked than to leave it and allow it to develop into a bigger problem. Bleeding issues and pain are also two symptoms that women usually dismiss for nothing but could actually mean something is wrong, according to Jones.

"Make sure you put yourselves as a priority; women will take care of everyone else, make sure everything else is squared away and good to go, but they put aside the pelvic pain they've had for six to eight months," said Jones. "They usually put themselves on the backburner and that's where the issue is."

Online diagnosing without a provider's input has become a recent fad. However, it is wise to seek a provider's input after online research. They have the extensive knowledge, tools and resources to check out the symptoms and ask more questions, if needed.

Depending on the situation, credible websites for information are Center for Disease Control and Prevention, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecology, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, American Cancer Association, American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology or for birth control questions visit the specific brand's website.

The Women's Health Clinic in the Main Clinic works with specialty cases on the female body. The clinic sees everything from abnormalities, cervical cancer, breast cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, to pregnancies and more. They see women in all branches and family members from Team Pete, Schriever AFB, Cheyenne Mountain AFS, Fort Carson and the Academy, totaling approximately 15,000 Department of Defense beneficiaries.

"The best part of my job is helping women to view themselves as a priority and educating people; getting them to realize (their health is) important too," said Jones.

For questions or concerns contact the Women's Health Clinic at 556-1168.

Women’s Health Clinic