(Left to right): Laurie P. Rothman, M.D.; Catherine C. Marinak, APRN; and Kelly Foster, M.D., at Tampa General Hospital’s “Women’s Health, Reimagined” community panel, with moderator Stefany Valderrama of CBS12 News
Preventive care is evolving. And for women, personalized, proactive health management is becoming more important than ever. From tailored screening schedules to lifestyle-driven cancer risk reduction and new tools for early detection, today’s approach to women’s health is increasingly individualized, data-informed and focused on long-term wellness.
That message was made clear by Tampa General Hospital (TGH) physicians and specialists who recently shared insights on how women can better protect their health at every stage of life. Their guidance emphasized that annual preventive visits are not just routine checkups, but essential opportunities to assess risk, update screenings and build a trusted partnership with a care team.
Dr. Laurie P. Rothman of TGH Concierge Health, a service of TGH Primary Care, highlighted how preventive care should adapt as women age. Screening needs can shift based on age, family history and lifestyle, making personalized care planning critical. From blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring to mental health screenings, immunizations and reproductive care, these visits provide a comprehensive view of overall health.
As women move through midlife and beyond, Rothman noted the importance of screenings, such as mammograms, colorectal cancer screenings and bone density tests. She also addressed menopause as a key health transition—one that often brings new symptoms and increased risks related to heart and bone health, reinforcing the need for ongoing monitoring and open conversations with physicians.
Cancer prevention was another focus of the discussion. Dr. Kelly Foster, a medical oncologist with TGH Cancer Institute – Cancer Center of South Florida (CCSF), emphasized that while genetics matter, many cancer risks can be reduced through everyday choices. Avoiding tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active and limiting alcohol consumption can significantly lower risk over time.
For women with a family history of cancer or other risk factors, Catherine C. Marinak, APRN, director of Hereditary Risk Assessment & Early Detection at TGH Cancer Institute – CCSF, explained how genetic counseling and testing can offer clarity and guide individualized screening plans. She also highlighted emerging multi-cancer early detection blood tests that can screen for dozens of cancers, including some without standard screening options—providing new opportunities for earlier diagnosis.
These expert insights were shared during the “Women’s Health, Reimagined” community panel hosted by Tampa General at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, where women from across northern Palm Beach County gathered to learn about the latest advancements in prevention, risk reduction and early detection.
The takeaway: Informed, proactive care—guided by expertise and tailored to individual risk—empowers women to take control of their health at every stage of life.
For more information about how Tampa General continues to expand access to innovative, academic-based care in the Palm Beaches and on the Treasure Coast, visit TGH.org/ThePalmBeaches or call (561) 739-4TGH.
