Health screenings for women are essential to long-term wellness. Scheduling the recommended tests and check-ups provides a first line of defense when something goes wrong.
Some conditions begin with few to no symptoms. Other conditions produce symptoms that seem mundane and are easy to ignore. Early detection greatly increases the chances of a positive outcome when a disease is present. That’s why every woman should stick to a regular screening schedule.
The chance of developing a medical condition increases with age. This is especially true for women over age 40. Women in this age group have an elevated risk of:
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Urinary incontinence
- Cancer
A good place to start is by scheduling a conversation with your doctor. They will guide you to the ideal screening schedule for you. Knowing how to establish good health habits right now should begin with information - the information provided by recommended health tests.
Recommended Health Screenings for Women
Every woman should follow their doctor’s advice when it comes to prevention and health. The screenings listed below are only a starting point. You may require additional or more frequent screenings based on individual risk, family history, and medical status.
- Mammogram
The recommended timeframe for mammograms has changed over the years. All women should begin this screening when they are 40 years old. Those who are considered an average cancer risk should schedule a mammogram every two years until age 74.
Women who have a first-degree relative who had cancer should begin screenings 10 years younger than the age at which the relative was diagnosed. A first-degree relative includes immediate family members like a mother or sister.
- Bone Density Test
A bone density test is recommended for women over age 65 who have no risk factors. Those who have risk factors are usually advised to begin between age 50 and 64. Women who are under age 64 who have gone through menopause may also be advised to start bone density tests.
This test measures bone strength and calculates the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is considered a “silent disease” because most people do not know they have it until they break a bone. Early detection can prevent an injury.
- Pap Smear and HPV Test
Have you scheduled your pap smear yet? This health screening along with an HPV test is necessary for all women. Most gynecologists will perform a pap smear during a pelvic exam.
A sample of cells is taken from the cervix. These can be analyzed for changes that indicate the presence of human papillomavirus or HPV. HPV is known to cause pre-cancers and cervical cancer.
Women over age 40 should schedule a pap smear once every three years and an HPV test once every five years. Women who have never had abnormal cells, or cervical cancer, and have had multiple negative tests in a row can stop pap smears after age 65.
Those who have had abnormalities or cervical cancer will likely be advised to schedule screenings more often.
Women who would like to learn more about their ideal pap smear and HPV test schedule should schedule a gynecologist visit.
- Diabetes Test
Women over age 40 have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Several factors can increase risk including reproductive history, being overweight, or going through menopause before age 40.
Women between the ages of 40 and 70 who are overweight should schedule diabetes tests once every three years. The three-year schedule is recommended when the test results are normal.
Women who have had gestational diabetes should also follow this screening schedule.
- Cholesterol Screening
High cholesterol raises the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol increases with age. That’s why women over age 40 should undergo screenings once every one to two years. This is done through a basic blood test.
Women with kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, or blood flow issues may be advised to have more frequent blood tests.
- Colonoscopy
Women over age 45 with an average risk of colorectal cancer should schedule a colonoscopy once every 10 years. This schedule can continue through age 75 if no polyps are found.
If risk factors are present, then a more frequent schedule is recommended. Risk factors include a family history of colon cancer or precancerous polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or those with genetic changes like Lynch syndrome.
- Blood Pressure Test
Every time you visit a doctor, there is a good chance they will check your blood pressure. This is a quick and easy test that allows your doctor to monitor for changes that could indicate an elevated risk of heart disease or stroke.
Healthy women with no risk factors should have a blood pressure test done at least once per year. This is easy if you schedule annual check-ups, which will likely include the test. Women with risk factors should check their blood pressure more often.
Talk to your doctor about the ideal screening schedule for you