When your kid is sick, you don’t hesitate to do anything you can to make them feel better. You also probably try your best to keep up with all their well visits at the doctor. But when it comes to yourself, you may ignore your health and put off needed tests. Or you’re unaware that some of these tests are even recommended for you. This can especially be true if you don’t have a family physician—which unfortunately is the case for roughly 900,000 British Columbians!
Do not put your health off any longer! There are some important tests you need to get to stay on top of any health issues—and you can access them even if you don’t currently have a family physician. Remember, early detection and prevention can help save your life!
Cervix
Regular Cervical Screening (typically referred to as a PAP test) is recommended for anyone who has a cervix. These screenings should be done every three years starting when you become sexually active or age 25, whichever comes first, right up to age 69. If you have a family history or have had previous issues with your cervix, it’s recommended that you get tested more frequently.
If you don’t have a family doctor, PAP tests can often be booked at local walk-in clinics or urgent care centres by phoning them directly or visiting their websites. Depending on which community you live in there may also be women’s health clinics or sexual health centres you can visit for cervical screening.
Breasts
The BC Cancer Agency recommends that anyone with breasts get a mammogram every two years starting at age 40. You DO NOT need a doctor’s referral to get a mammogram! Simply visit the BC Cancer Breast Screening website to find the screening location near you. Or phone the number listed to find out when the mobile screening unit will be in your area. If you have a family history of breast cancer you may wish to speak to your family doctor, a telehealth doctor or a walk-in clinic doctor about early screening.
Colon
After age 50 everyone should start having regular FIT tests (Fecal immunochemical test). These tests can be done quickly and easily in your own home with a kit you pick up from a local laboratory. You will need a doctor’s referral to access a FIT test kit, and this can be acquired by a telehealth doctor or walk-in clinic if you don’t have a family doctor.
Lungs
Not everyone needs lung cancer screening. However, if you are over the age of 55 and are a current smoker or have a 20-year history of smoking at any time in the past you should be screened.
If you believe you are eligible for lung cancer screening or have questions talk to a doctor or call the BC Lung Screening Program at 1-877-717-5864.
Skin
It’s recommended that everyone self-checks their skin at least twice a year, starting as young as possible. Make note of any suspicious moles or spots and take pictures of them to see if they change over time. Have a loved one help you check your scalp, back and other areas you can’t see properly.
If you notice a mole has changed or find one that looks suspicious see a doctor for assessment. Go to your family doctor or walk-in clinic, if possible. However, a telehealth doctor can assess your skin from digital pictures you send them, plus they can refer you to someone in your area if they cannot make a proper diagnosis online.
There are several skin cancer screening clinics throughout BC, however, most do charge for the screening unless you have a history of abnormal moles and/or are referred by a doctor.
Mental Health
If you feel yourself struggling with depression, anxiety and/or any other mental health issue don’t hesitate to get help. Consult with your family doctor, a walk-in clinic doctor or a telehealth doctor to get advice. Or you can visit AnxietyCanada.com or call either 310-6789 or 811 at any time to access resources.
811
811 is a particularly important number for everyone to remember. It gives you a 24-hour hotline to a nurse, as well as access to nutritionists and pharmacists. The staff at 811 can give medical information and advice, connect you with an online doctor in urgent situations and provide any other physical or mental health resources you may need. If you do not have a regular health care provider, the staff at 811 can help you get on a waitlist for a physician or nurse practitioner.
