Since 1994, the U.S. has recognized National Men’s Health Week in order to raise awareness of preventable disease in men and boys as well as the benefits of early detection and treatment. The joint resolution that established this designation cited the threat of cancers and other diseases and recognized that men tend to visit their doctors less often than women. In 2002, representatives from six leading men’s health groups from various nations came together and agreed to launch International Men’s Health Week. Each year, health care providers and policy makers around the world work to encourage men and boys to get regular checkups and care for their health.

National Cancer Survivors Day, recognized on the first Sunday in June, is an annual celebration of life for those who have been touched by cancer. It’s a time for cancer survivors to connect, celebrate victories, and raise awareness of the need for resources and support after cancer treatment.

No!

Worry is understandable. You were probably expecting the standard letter in the mail saying your mammogram was normal, but instead, you got a call from your doctor. Take a deep breath, and understand that the vast majority of mammography follow up does not result in a cancer diagnosis. In fact, more than one in ten women may be called back after a screening mammogram,^[1] but fewer than one in ten of those women are found to actually have cancer.^[2]

Beginning on Mother’s Day each year, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s health leads the recognition of National Women’s Health Week. This creates an opportunity to encourage women to prioritize their own health and take steps to care for themselves. Use it as an excuse to take the time this week to think about how you can show yourself some well deserved love and support your good health.

What is bone density testing?

Bone density testing, also known as DEXA (an acronym for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scanning, is a way of assessing bone mineral density using advanced, low-dose X-ray technology. It’s commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition involving gradual loss of calcium that causes bones to thin and become more vulnerable to breaks, and osteopenia (decreased bone mass).^[1]

You’ve probably heard that one in eight women develops breast cancer during her lifetime. Steps such as staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol consumption can help reduce your risk, but even the healthiest lifestyle is no guarantee against breast cancer. Major medical associations including the American College of Radiology, the Society for Breast Imaging,^[1] and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network^[2] recommend annual mammography screening for women who are at least 40 years old and at average risk for breast cancer.

The Testicular Cancer Society recognizes April as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 9,310 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed and approximately 400 men will die of the disease in the U.S. this year.^[1] While testicular cancer is relatively rare, accounting for just 1% of male cancers and occurring in about 1 in 250 males,^[2] the incidence of this type of cancer has been increasing over the past several decades. So far, cancer researchers have not identified causes of this increase.^[3]

Each April, the U.S. recognizes National Cancer Control Month. Cancer control includes each phase of the fight against cancer: prevention, detection, and treatment. More than 1.7 billion Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and 38.5% (approximately 1 in 2.6) of people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetimes. However, the numbers of both new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths per capita have been declining steadily since the early 1990s. In 1975, cancer patients faced an overall relative 5-year survival rate of 48.7%; in 2009, this rate was up to 69.3%.^[1] 

A woman who experiences symptoms like trouble getting pregnant, repeated miscarriages, or abnormal menstrual bleeding may be referred for a sonohysterogram to investigate possible causes. If a transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound produces insufficiently clear images to locate the source of the problem, then a sonohysterogram may be recommended.

This year, March 12–18 is Brain Awareness Week, a global celebration of the brain and the promise of brain research. To help expand your brain awareness, we’ll discuss how computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to create medically useful images of the brain and surrounding structures.