Cancer Screening Basics
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Find out when checkups, screenings and immunizations are generally recommended.
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Forty percent of Americans develop cancer during their lifetimes. Take steps to assess your risk and prevent the disease.
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Discover the dietary and lifestyle choices that can boost your immune system and keep you going strong.
Disease Prevention Topics
Ask an Expert
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm volunteering with a medical/dental mission to Cambodia. I'm concerned about the incidence of TB, and if I'm infected, how soon I could tell? I work closely with children and don't want to expose them to TB after my return. Should I be tested?
Most people infected with tuberculosis (TB) never get an active infection, which is when it is contagious from one person to the other. Those infected usually develop latent TB, which means that the bacteria li... continue reading about I'm volunteering with a medical/dental mission to Cambodia. I'm concerned about the incidence of TB, and if I'm infected, how soon I could tell? I work closely with children and don't want to expose them to TB after my return. Should I be tested?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I am experiencing bleeding when I floss or brush my teeth. I recently switched to an electric toothbrush. What can I do to prevent the bleeding?
I'm glad that you asked. Gum bleeding after brushing or flossing is a common concern. Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is the most common cause of bleeding gums. Other symptoms of gingivitis may include... continue reading about I am experiencing bleeding when I floss or brush my teeth. I recently switched to an electric toothbrush. What can I do to prevent the bleeding?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I am a woman (59) and I have been hearing that one out of three people get shingles. I was wondering if I should get a vaccination. Am I insured for this, if not, how much does this shot cost?
The medical name for "shingles" is varicella zoster. It comes from the chickenpox virus that can lay dormant for years after exposure. As we get older it is more likely the virus will reappear and cause a painf... continue reading about I am a woman (59) and I have been hearing that one out of three people get shingles. I was wondering if I should get a vaccination. Am I insured for this, if not, how much does this shot cost?
Rodman S. Rogers, M.D.
SPMF San Francisco HMO Network
I was recently diagnosed with a kidney stone, but my doctor thinks it will pass on its own without treatment. What is a kidney stone, and is there anything I can do to prevent getting them again?
Kidney stones form in several ways but typically start as crystals that form in concentrated urine. So one thing everyone can do to help prevent stones is to drink extra liquids (to produce 2.5 liters of urine ... continue reading about I was recently diagnosed with a kidney stone, but my doctor thinks it will pass on its own without treatment. What is a kidney stone, and is there anything I can do to prevent getting them again?
Ruwan Kiringoda, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
What can I do to prevent hearing loss as I get older? I have a family history of hearing loss and wonder if I can do anything to avoid it.
Hearing loss is not always inevitable for everyone. There are many factors that contribute to hearing loss and aging. The most common is noise exposure over many years. Noise exposure can be as slight as workin... continue reading about What can I do to prevent hearing loss as I get older? I have a family history of hearing loss and wonder if I can do anything to avoid it.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My mother, who is 91, had a mastectomy 30 years ago. Luckily, she is still in good health today. Is it okay for her to get a shingles shot now? It's hard to tell whether her immune system is weak or not.
Herpes zoster, better known as shingles, is a debilitating rash and has the potential to cause chronic pain (post-herpetic neuralgia). The vaccine has proven to decrease the risk of getting shingles and of havi... continue reading about My mother, who is 91, had a mastectomy 30 years ago. Luckily, she is still in good health today. Is it okay for her to get a shingles shot now? It's hard to tell whether her immune system is weak or not.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I've heard urinary tract infections (UTIs) are getting harder to treat. Why is this and who's at risk of developing one?
Urinary tract infections are one of the most common infections doctors treat. More than half of women living in the United States will get a UTI at some point in their lives. Urinary tract infections are caused... continue reading about I've heard urinary tract infections (UTIs) are getting harder to treat. Why is this and who's at risk of developing one?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Breast cancer runs in my family (mother). Should I get a mammogram earlier than 40?
This is a complicated question and involves both assessment of your actual risk, then consideration of how that should inform your screening process. Consult with your doctor to calculate your actual risk, base... continue reading about Breast cancer runs in my family (mother). Should I get a mammogram earlier than 40?
Arfan Din, D.O.
Sutter Medical Foundation
What kind of health precautions should be taken before traveling to South East Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam)?
Travel advice comes up often for us in primary care medicine. Health issues can arise in many places that are very different from what we face in the USA. My advice:See your primary care doctor as they are well... continue reading about What kind of health precautions should be taken before traveling to South East Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam)?
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