College of American Pathologists Puts Medical Reminders in the Hands of Americans Through MyHealthTestReminder.org

NORTHFIELD, Ill., June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More and more people use mobile devices to manage their daily lives.  In fact, according to the Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Project, 65 percent of Americans even sleep with their cell phones—many using the modern day necessity as alarm clocks.  

Today, the College of American Pathologists, the world's largest association of board-certified pathologists, announced a new service available on its website, MyHealthTestReminder.org.  Taking less than one minute, visitors to the site can sign up to receive a free text message reminding them to schedule important health screening tests to the devices they use most—their cell phones.

"MyHealthTestReminder.org serves as a 'medical alarm clock' for individuals, prompting them to schedule health screening tests that are essential to their health and well-being," said Stephen N. Bauer, M.D., FCAP, president of the College of American Pathologists.  "Putting off or avoiding screening tests such as a colonoscopy or Pap test can delay treatment options for patients, or in some instances, lead to death."

Pathologists are doctors and diagnostic experts who examine cells, tissues, and body fluids to diagnosis diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.  They are essential members of the patient care team and serve as interpreters of medical laboratory tests to help guide a patient's treatment and care.

In the ever-changing world of health care reform, individuals can take charge of their health by scheduling important health screening tests to enhance and/or prolong their life, as well as head off the expense of hefty health care costs down the road to treat a disease in its advanced stage.

Scheduling a reminder is easy and convenient.  It's as simple as 1-2-3:

1. Register at MyHealthTestReminder.org
2. Select the type of reminder and day that you would like to be reminded
3. Receive your reminder through a text message to your cell phone and/or with an email

Visitors to MyHealthTestReminder.org can schedule reminders for a mammogram; Pap test; cholesterol test; and colon cancer, prostate cancer, and diabetes screenings tests, as well as make a blood donation.  MyHealthTestReminder.org is available in English and Spanish.

While the use of cell phones continues to increase, receiving health screening tests unfortunately has not.  The common excuses are centered on being too busy, fearful, or embarrassed.  A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that more than half of all Americans over the age of 50 who should have received colon cancer screening tests have not.

"As a physician who specializes in pathology, I know that screening tests save lives.  In fact, with early detection and treatment of colon cancer, 5-year survival rates can be as high as 90 percent," said Dr. Bauer. "We are hoping that through MyHealthTestReminder.org more lives can be saved."

Visitors to MyHealthTestReminder.org can also access the CAP's website, MyBiopsy.org. The site was developed by pathologists to provide individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones accurate and credible information to help them better understand their diagnoses.  Currently, the site houses information on more than 40 of the most common cancers and cancer-related conditions.

The College of American Pathologists is a medical society serving nearly 18,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world.  It is the world's largest association composed exclusively of board-certified pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance.  The College is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective patient care.

SOURCE College of American Pathologists

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