Preventative Medicine in Phoenix

Wellness and Preventative Medicine in Phoenix

With so many screening tests available, it can be overwhelming to know which ones to choose. Prevention is one of the six founding naturopathic principles, but it means more than screening for disease. At Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ , prevention also means caring for yourself where you have choice and control: drinking enough water, choosing unrefined oils over processed ones, and choosing clean, plant-based skincare over products packed with harmful chemicals.

General Screening Recommendations

This table outlines our general screening recommendations for adults. Your personal schedule may differ based on your age, family history, symptoms, and risk factors, so review it with your physician during your annual visit.

Women’s Screening and Breast Health

Breast cancer is the most common cancer on the list, with 300,590 new U.S. cases expected in 2023. No screening test is perfect, and each has pros and cons:

• Mammogram: an X-ray of the breast and the best test for finding breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. Dense breast tissue, often a sign of estrogen dominance, makes mammograms less reliable, so combining with ultrasound can help.
• Ultrasound: uses sound waves to show changes like fluid-filled cysts that are harder to see on mammograms.
• Thermogram: an infrared image showing heat patterns that may indicate increased circulation, lymphatic stagnation, or inflammation, but less reliable for detecting masses.
• MRI: usually not used for routine screening because it can be too sensitive, but helpful after a diagnosis.

Annual well woman exams include clinical breast exams and Pap smears.

Men’s Screening

Men’s screening focuses on prostate, colorectal, cardiovascular, and metabolic health. Learn more about annual PSA testing and digital rectal exams on our prostate health page, and about heart health on our hypertension and cholesterol page.

Natera Hereditary Cancer Testing

Natera offers hereditary cancer gene testing. People with hereditary cancer syndromes have a higher-than-average chance of developing certain cancers, often at a younger age. Knowing your genetic risk lets you and your physician create a more proactive screening plan.

Which Cancers Can Be Hereditary?

Several cancers, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, and uterine cancers, can be linked to inherited gene changes. Natera offers comprehensive testing for 81 hereditary cancer genes through a simple blood test.

The Role of Family History

A family history of cancer, especially cancers diagnosed at a young age or the same cancer in several relatives, may be a sign of hereditary risk. Family history is only one of many risk factors, which also include diet, lifestyle, environment, and genetics.

How Genetic Testing Works

Genetic testing requires only a simple blood draw. Your results can guide earlier or more frequent screening, preventative lifestyle changes, and conversations with family members who may share the same risk. Talk with your Living Wellness physician about whether testing is right for you.

Who Should Get Tested?

This chart outlines who may benefit from hereditary cancer testing, such as people with a personal or family history of certain cancers or known genetic mutations in the family. Your physician can help you determine whether you qualify.

The Galleri Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test

Most cancers show no symptoms until later stages, when treatment options may be limited. The Galleri test is a multi-cancer early detection blood test that detects signals from more than 50 types of cancer, many of which are not commonly screened for today. It is recommended for adults with elevated cancer risk, such as those 50 or older, and is intended to be used in addition to, not in place of, other recommended screenings.

How the Galleri Test Works

Galleri looks for signals in the blood that may be associated with cancer at the time of your blood draw. If a cancer signal is detected, results can point to where in the body it may be coming from, helping your provider guide next steps. The test does not diagnose cancer, and not all cancers may be detected. Watch the video to see how it works, and talk with your Living Wellness physician if you are interested.

Colonoscopy and Colorectal Screening

Colon cancer often has no early symptoms, which is why regular screening matters. When caught early, it is treatable in about 90% of people. The American Cancer Society recommends screening starting at age 45 for average-risk adults. Possible symptoms include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, feeling of incomplete emptying, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or bloating, unintentional weight loss, and fatigue.

• Colonoscopy: an endoscopic exam of the colon, usually performed under anesthesia by a gastroenterologist every 5–10 years, to find polyps, colitis, IBD, and diverticulosis.
• Cologuard: an at-home stool DNA test for average-risk adults 45 and older, repeated every 3 years. It is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high-risk patients, and positive results require a follow-up colonoscopy.

Whole-Body MRI Screening

In Phoenix, SimonMed offers the simonONE whole-body MRI scan, which may detect small cancers and other issues early. It is non-invasive, uses no radiation, contrast dyes, or fasting, takes only 30–45 minutes, and is read by sub-specialists. Yearly scans can be compared over time. It is ideal for people with genetic predispositions, past health issues, or a desire to be proactive and gain peace of mind. This test is not covered by insurance.