Did you know May is Women’s Health Month?

There are many conditions known to impact women, such as breast or ovarian cancer. However, there are several diseases that the general public identifies with men. Heart disease and colorectal cancer are two examples. The thinking that these are male diseases can unfortunately put women at a disadvantage when it comes to their health.

During the month of May, it is time for women to make their own health a priority and learn more about these chronic conditions that can impact them just as much as men. Early screenings can identify potential problems long before signs and symptoms show up.

Here is an overview on these two conditions and the simple tests that will help women get a handle on their health.

Heart Disease

COVID-19 aside, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, accounting for one in every four deaths. Doctors have known for years that men and women experience heart disease somewhat differently.

Women are more likely to die following a heart attack than men are. Men present more “typical” symptoms of a heart attack, including chest, jaw, or arm pain; pain that radiates to one of the arms, neck, jaw, or back; and nausea, vomiting, sweating, or palpitations.

However, women are more likely to have “atypical” signs of heart attack, including heartburn, back pain, or pain that is burning, stabbing, or resembles indigestion.

Because of this, women are more likely than men to experience delays in emergency care.

It is important for women to get a baseline assessment of their heart health.

Any Lab Test Now® offers several tests that can provide an overview of heart health — including the Heart Health Panel, which looks at the following:

  • Lipoprotein Particle Protein Basic (LPP) – Overall cardiovascular risk assessment.
  • Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) – Evaluates the body’s electrolyte balance and the status of major body organs.
  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP) High Sensitivity – An inflammation marker used to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Homocysteine – Evaluates the risk of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Once you have results, you can better understand your heart health and take steps with the help of your primary care physician and potentially a cardiologist.

Colorectal Cancer 

According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in men and women in the U.S. Women have a 1 in 25 chance of developing colorectal cancer.

Thanks to screenings, like those offered at Any Lab Test Now, the rate of people dying of colon or rectal cancer has been dropping. Those who can identify colorectal cancer sooner can reduce the risk of cancer cells spreading to different areas of the body and can increase their chance of recovery.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include bleeding from the rectum, abdominal discomfort, blood in the stool, dark or black stools, or any change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and weakness or fatigue.

Some risk factors of colorectal cancer include:

  • Are over 45 years of age
  • Had colorectal polyps or cancer in the past
  • Have a family history of colorectal cancer (in a parent, brother, sister, or child)
  • Have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
  • Eat a diet high in fat and [low in calcium, fiber, and folate]
  • Smoke cigarettes
  • Have certain genetic conditions

The Colon Cancer Screening Test at Any Lab Test Now is a health-monitoring test kit that detects hemoglobin, or blood, in the stool. The sample is collected in the privacy of your home and only requires a small water-based sampling from one bowel movement. Test kits can either be picked up in-store or purchased online and shipped.

If your test is positive, you will want to share your test results with your primary care physician or a gastroenterologist.

What if you are a woman who’s not necessarily concerned about heart disease or colon cancer? That’s great, but you could still benefit from a baseline assessment of your overall health. Our Annual Check-Up Panel consists of five tests that are typically ordered by a physician during an annual physical exam. It’ll provide you with numeric results or levels regarding your blood counts, kidney and liver functions, electrolytes, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and thyroid function values. By knowing your levels, you can begin to manage and even improve your health and keep track of fluctuations over time.

Be at Ease

At Any Lab Test Now, we understand that people may have concerns about going to a healthcare facility during the coronavirus outbreak. You can be at ease knowing that we are providing you a safe and clean location for your lab work. Each of our 190+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. When you get your test results, you can easily make a telemedicine appointment with your physician and share the details. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you to make educated healthcare decisions that can benefit your quality of life.

Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com.