Dr. Victoria Custer Urges Women to Make Regular Visits
ROME, Ga., Dec. 5, 2024 – Your OB-GYN is an excellent resource for addressing all issues related to women's health. They can be your first line of defense when it comes to identifying important health concerns and risk factors. That's why it's so important to find an OB-GYN you trust and schedule regular appointments.
Here are some reasons why you should make OB-GYN visits part of your routine health care:
Pap test
“A Pap test is the most important method for preventing cervical cancer, which is preventable with regular screenings and HPV vaccines," said Dr. Victoria Custer, an OB-GYN with Atrium Health Floyd Northwest Georgia Medical Clinic.
During the test, your OB-GYN gently removes cells from the cervix and back of the vagina and checks them for cancer. The earlier you treat cervical cancer, the more likely you'll have a good outcome.
“You should start getting a pap smear screening annually when you turn 21," said Custer. “If everything looks normal and there is little or no family history of cervical cancer, it can be done on a 3-year cycle or, if you are over 30, every 5 years."
Breast and pelvic exam
During the pelvic exam, your doctor will check your internal and external reproductive organs for signs of disease, including cancer. During your breast exam, your doctor will check your breast tissue for lumps and other early signs of cancer. Your doctor will determine if you need to have either or both of these performed annually, Custer said.
Gynecologic cancer screening and risk assessment
In addition to checking for cervical cancer, the pelvic exam screens for vulvar, vaginal, endometrial and ovarian cancer – all of which are much more rare than cervical cancer. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is not usually detected during a pelvic exam until it's at an advanced stage. Even so, the pelvic exam is the best method for screening for ovarian cancer.
Another important part of your annual exam is general risk assessment. Your OB-GYN will review your family history to see if you're at higher risk for certain gynecologic cancers. You may be eligible for genetic testing, counseling and additional screening.
Other health screenings and referrals
At your annual exam, your OB-GYN may perform additional health screenings. If needed, they will refer you to other experts who help support your multidisciplinary care team.
Blood pressure check. Your OB-GYN will check your blood pressure, which can affect pregnancy and long-term health. If your blood pressure is elevated, your doctor may refer you to your primary care doctor for further testing and treatment.
Diabetes, thyroid and lipid screening. Depending on your age and other risk factors, your OB-GYN may request bloodwork to check your blood sugar, thyroid and lipid levels. Based on the results, they may refer you to a specialist for additional testing and treatment.
Depression and anxiety screening. “Many women are busy with everyday life, work and family responsibilities, and there may not be many opportunities for them to discuss symptoms of depression and anxiety," Custer said.
If needed, your doctor can refer you to a therapist for diagnosis and treatment.
Mammogram. If you are 40 or older, you will be referred to breast imaging experts for your annual mammogram. A mammogram may be recommended earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer.
Colonoscopy. Based on your age and other risk factors, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. This intestinal diagnostic tool is used to identify gastrointestinal cancer and other types of digestive disease.
Hormone advice and support
Depending on the stage of life, hormone needs fluctuate for women.
“Young women often need hormone advice and support related to birth control and family planning," Custer said. “Women in perimenopause and menopause need to understand what to expect during these life stages and how to manage symptoms."
Your OB-GYN can provide tips on balancing hormones and prescribe supportive medication during these stages.
Testing for sexually transmitted diseases
STD screening is recommended for patients under age 25 or in other sexually high-risk groups. Since many patients do not show symptoms when they have an STD, routine screening is suggested.
Partnering with primary care
OB-GYNs like Custer play a significant role in their patients' multidisciplinary care team.
“It is not uncommon for many women not to have a primary care doctor," said Custer. “If that is the case, I will make sure we look at the patient's overall health. If needed, I will refer them to a primary care doctor or other specialist."
Beware of misinformation
While social media groups (like Facebook mom groups) may be a good place to find OB-GYN referrals, it's important to be careful about seeking medical advice on social media platforms.
“Ask your doctor if you have questions," Custer said. “Social media sites are, in general, not reliable sources for medical advice."
Schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN at least once a year for your annual exam. And be diligent about keeping any follow-up appointments.
To make an appointment at Atrium Health Floyd Northwest Georgia Medical Clinic, 15 Riverbend Drive in Rome, call 706-291-0884. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays.
About Atrium Health Floyd
The Atrium Health Floyd family of health care services is a leading medical provider and economic force in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Health Floyd is part of Charlotte, North Carolina-based Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Floyd strategically combined with Harbin Clinic in 2024 and employs more than 5,200 teammates who provide care in over 40 medical specialties at four facilities: Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center – a 361-bed full-service, acute care hospital and regional referral center in Rome, Georgia; Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center in Cedartown, Georgia; and Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center in Centre, Alabama; and Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center Behavioral Health, also in Rome. Together, Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic provide primary care, specialty care and urgent care throughout northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Health Floyd also operates a stand-alone emergency department in Chattooga County, the first such facility to be built from the ground-up in Georgia.
About Atrium Health
Atrium Health is a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education and compassionate patient care. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health is part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, which was created from the combination with Advocate Aurora Health. A recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine is its academic core. Atrium Health is renowned for its top-ranked pediatric, cancer and heart care, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Atrium Health is also a leading-edge innovator in virtual care and mobile medicine, providing care close to home and in the home. Ranked nationally among U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals in eight pediatric specialties and for rehabilitation, Atrium Health has also received the American Hospital Association's Quest for Quality Prize and its 2021 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award, as well as the 2020 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Health Equity Award for its efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care. With a commitment to every community it serves, Atrium Health seeks to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all, providing $2.8 billion last year in free and uncompensated care and other community benefits.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the United States – created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois, Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama, and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health serves nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs nearly 155,000 team members across 68 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides nearly $6 billion in annual community benefits.