Your health is your greatest asset, so you should treat it as a top priority– no matter how busy you are! Although it may seem like a hassle, scheduling preventative appointments can help women to catch life-threatening health issues early on.
Use this article as a “checkup checklist” and get ready to protect your health at every age!
Screenings in Your 20s and 30s
You’re probably already familiar with the pap smear, a test used to screen for cervical cancer. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women ages 21 to 29 get a pap smear every three years. Most women adhere to this recommendation. According to a 2015 health report from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 70 percent of women have had a pap smear within the past three years. Somewhat new, however, is the recommendation that women over 30 get a pap smear and HPV screening at least once every five years.
Why? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), affecting about 79 million Americans, according to the CDC. HPV is responsible for many cases of cervical and oral cancer, which is why it is so important that sexually active women continue to get regular pap smears and STI screenings.
At this age, women might also want to talk to their doctors about birth control options and plans for having children.
Tests in Your 40s and Older
Women with an average risk of developing breast cancer should get a mammogram once per year from ages 45 to 55. After 55, one mammogram every other year is recommended, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
For women, colon cancer screenings should begin around age 50 and should be scheduled every 10 years. If you’re dreading a colonoscopy, don’t worry; there are other tests that screen for colon cancer! The ACS provides other options to discuss with your doctor, such as a stool test or double-contrast barium enema. ACOG notes that colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death among women, and is highly treatable when caught early, so be sure to make this screening a priority.
After menopause, you lose bone faster than your body can generate new bone, leading to weaker bones and the development of osteoporosis. Low bone density greatly increases your risk of fractures, particularly hip fractures, and can increase health risks for older women. That’s why the Office on Women’s Health recommends scheduling a bone density screening at age 65– or earlier, if your doctor determines you have a higher risk.
Heart Disease Screening at Any Age
Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Starting at age 20, a woman should have a heart disease screening as part of her annual checkup. This includes blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and waist circumference. At age 45, you should also add an annual fasting blood glucose test.
Although the Go Red For Women® campaign has helped to bring this issue to light, many people don’t realize that the symptoms of a heart attack and the development of heart disease look different in women than they do in men. That’s why an annual screening is so important. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your risk factors and any lifestyle changes you can make to keep your heart healthy.
Remember: your health should always be your number one priority. If you’ve fallen behind in your preventative care or you’re about to hit one of the screening milestones, call your doctor and make an appointment as soon as possible.