As a woman, you often hear about the importance of maintaining your health, and some of the screenings that coincide with doing so. The information may seem overwhelming at times, and it can get confusing trying to keeping track of what you need to do next. This comprehensive guide is an easy way to stay on top of your health and make sure you are on track.
Breast Cancer Screening
- Breast Self Exams- for women ages 20 and over, to be completed annually
- Mammograms- for women ages 40 and over, to be completed annually
- Physician Breast Exam- for women ages 40 and over, to be completed annually
Cervical Cancer Screening
- Pap Smear & Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing- for women starting at 21 years old or 3 years after the onset of sexual activity
- Pap without HPV testing, to be completed annually
- Pap with HPV testing, to be completed every 3 years if HPV is negative
Sexually Transmitted Disease Screening
- Individualized for all women by your doctor
Hypertension Screening
- Blood Pressure Measurement- for women of all ages, to be completed every 1-2 years
Cholesterol Screening
- Liquid Panel, including LDL- for women, beginning at 20 years old, repeat every 5 years depending on results
Diabetes Screening
- Fasting Plasma Glucose or Random Plasma Glucose- for women ages 45 and over, to be completed every 3 years
Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Colonoscopy- for women ages 50 and over, to be completed every 10 years
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy- for women ages 50 and over, to be completed every 5 years
- Occult Blood Test- for women ages 50 and over, to be completed annually
Osteoporosis Screening
- Bone Density Testing- for women ages 65 and over, after menopause
These guidelines may differ for each person, and it’s important to talk to your doctor to develop a plan that works best for you to keep your health in check. Apart from scheduling specific tests and screenings, there are many things you can do between your annual visits to maintain your health. Remembering to consume a balanced diet and exercise every day for at least 30 minutes can help prevent health issues down the road. Along with that, getting a full eight hours of sleep every night, learning different ways to manage stress in your life, and putting your mental health first can do wonders for your mind, body and soul every day.