By Sandy Cordeiro

1. Skin Smarts
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, mostly affecting those in their 40s and 50s. Regular self-checks are the best way to catch abnormalities. Take 10 minutes once a month to examine every nook and cranny from head to toe.

Mole patrol “You can’t tell if a mole is changing if you look at it every day,” says Dr. Eileen Murray, from the Canadian Dermatology Association’s Sun Awareness Program. Look for moles that have changed in colour, size or shape, and be suspicious of any mole that pops up after the age of 50. Those at high risk – who have fair skin, burn easily or have 50 or more moles – should stick to a strict schedule of self-exams and yearly clinical skin checks.

Sun defence Slather on the SPF 30 (at least) and schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are weakest – and forget about tanning beds.

Did you know? “Suffering two or more blistering sunburns in childhood doubles your risk of skin cancer in adulthood. So if you worked outdoors, grew up on a farm or in southern climates you may be at higher risk,” says Dr. Murray.

Breast Case Scenario
The most important thing to remember with breast health is to be proactive, because it’s a question of knowing your body. Start to examine your own breasts in your 20s – every month after your period – to get to know what they feel like. “Look for any kind of lump that feels new. It’s important to do it regularly because some women have quite lumpy breasts,” says Dr. Fei-Fei Liu, Oncologist at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.

Look closer Check for changes in breast shape, appearance of the nipple, and redness or warmth, and be aware that a cancerous lump might not cause pain or swelling early on. Under-50s should ask their MD for a clinical breast check every two years, and talk about cancer-risk factors, such as family history or previous breast lumps and biopsies. Have a mammogram at least once every two years between the ages of 50 and 69.

Did you know? Never having children, having your first child after 30, being overweight or having a late menopause (over 55) are all factors that may warrant an earlier breast screening.

Hand on Your Heart
One in three Canadian women will develop heart disease, and the strongest risk factor is high blood cholesterol. Trans fats, usually found in animal and processed fats, are the biggest culprits. These are banned entirely in restaurants in Denmark and New York City, a trend that will surely catch on.

Weigh your risk If you’re a smoker, have diabetes or high blood pressure, carry excess weight (especially around your middle) or have a family history of heart disease, you should get a cholesterol profile done every three years, regardless of your age. Otherwise, begin testing at 50. “Women who exercise on a regular basis have about half the risk of heart disease than women who do nothing at all,” says Dr. Ruth McPherson from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Heart & Stroke Foundation. Try to do at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day.

Did you know? Within 48 hours of quitting smoking, your chance of having a heart attack begins to decrease. In 15 years, your risk will likely be the same as a non-smoker.

Cervix Service
“The major cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection,” says Dr. Joan Murphy, associate professor and Head of Oncology at the University Health Network in Toronto. An estimated 75% of sexually active adults will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime. “A vast majority of people who get the infection clear it without any further ado. But women who don’t clear the infection or who get one of the cancer-causing types of viral infections are at risk. We really don’t know very much about why an uncomplicated HPV infection comes and goes in some people, but persists and causes cancer in others,” says Dr. Murphy.

The need to screen Women should have two yearly cervical screenings once they become sexually active – to detect abnormalities and changes in cervical cells before they become cancerous. If everything’s OK, continue to get tested every three years until you’re 69.

Did you know? An HPV vaccine was recently approved for women aged 9 to 26. If you’re older than 26, talk to your doctor about whether the vaccination would still benefit you.

Dem Bones
A quarter of women over 50 suffer from osteoporosis, which leads to fragile bones prone to breaks and fractures. Bones need calcium for strength, and the body takes it from them if it doesn’t have enough. “Women need at least 1,000 mg of calcium a day, about three glasses of milk, and 400 IU of vitamin D,” says Dr. Stephanie Kaiser, executive member of Osteoporosis Canada’s Scientific Advisory Council. After 50, that jumps to 1,500 mg or five glasses of milk, and 800 IU of vitamin D.

Don’t you forget about D Vitamin D, the “sunshine” vitamin, helps the body absorb calcium, but we Canadians can’t rely on the sun to get it. “In winter, we don’t form vitamin D from sunshine exposure because we’re too far north,” says Dr. Kaiser. “In summer, sunscreen blocks its formation in the skin.” So take a supplement. And add weight-bearing and strength exercises to your workout for strong bones.

Take the test Most people have no symptoms of osteoporosis until they break a bone, so bone mineral density tests are recommended after 65, or 50 if you’ve already suffered a fracture, have a family history, problems absorbing nutrients or experience menopause before age 45.

Did you know? “Coffee drinkers may be at risk if they drink four or more cups a day,” says Dr. Kaiser. Excessive caffeine can prevent calcium absorption, so watch your Starbucks tally (a Venti is 2 1/2 cups).

First published in Wish September 2007