Local Vitals topic
The right screening test at the right age finds many cancers early, when treatment works best. These guides walk through colon, breast, cervical, lung, prostate, and skin cancer screening, including who qualifies and what the options are.
11 articles, written and medically reviewed by the physicians of Zimmer Medical Group in St. Petersburg, FL.
ScreeningsAnnual low-dose CT screening is recommended for adults 50 to 80 with a 20 pack-year history who smoke now or quit within 15 years. Here is how to count pack-years and what the scan actually finds.
DigestiveTubular adenoma, sessile serrated lesion, high-grade dysplasia: here is what each polyp finding means, and how size, number, cell type, and prep quality set your next colonoscopy interval.
MenPSA testing for prostate cancer is more nuanced than "yes" or "no." Learn how guidelines have evolved, who benefits most from screening, the role of MRI before biopsy, and how to make a personalized decision.
ScreeningsScreening starts at 45 — but "I do not want a colonoscopy" is not a reason to skip it. Compare colonoscopy, stool-based DNA testing (Cologuard), FIT tests, CT colonography, and emerging blood-based screens, plus who each option fits best.
ScreeningsCervical cancer screening has changed substantially. Primary HPV testing, co-testing, and — as of 2024 — self-collected swabs are all options now. Here is the current USPSTF and ACS guidance and how to talk with your doctor about which schedule fits you.
ScreeningsNot every woman gets the same screening — and a "normal" mammogram does not always rule out cancer, especially with dense breast tissue. Learn when supplemental ultrasound, MRI, or genetic testing belongs in your screening plan.
ScreeningsBRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations dramatically increase breast, ovarian, and other cancer risks. Learn who qualifies for testing, what positive and negative results mean, and how testing has expanded beyond Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
ScreeningsCancer screenings catch disease early, when it's most treatable. Learn which screenings you need, when guidelines suggest starting, and how often to repeat.
HeartThe idea that moderate drinking is good for you has been overturned. Learn what the evidence really says about alcohol, your heart, cancer, and liver health.
MenThis article serves as a proactive health checklist for men, outlining the essential medical screenings necessary for long-term wellness. It details the importance of regularly monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and explains the current guidelines for crucial cancer screenings like colorectal and prostate. The guide also emphasizes screenings vital for the Florida lifestyle, such as skin cancer checks, and discusses the often-overlooked topics of mental health and testosterone levels.
SkinLiving in St. Pete's sunshine? A doctor's guide to essential skin cancer screenings in Florida. Learn the ABCDEs of melanoma, what to expect at a dermatologist, and tips for daily prevention.