Women health screening. Tests all women should get

For the female population, healthy habits such as physical activity, a balanced diet and the ability to cope with stress are an important part of preventing many health problems. One of such habits is also yearly check up for women, allowing for early detection of changes in the body that may pose a potential threat to health. However, it should be remembered that regularity plays a key role in their effectiveness. Regular health screenings for women can successfully save lives. So which tests should not be forgotten?

Blood pressure test

List of health tests for women must not be missing blood pressure test. If the blood pressure remains below 120/80 mm Hg (this value is considered a normal result), the test should be performed at least once every two years. This recommendation applies to people over 20 years old. In contrast, adults in their 40s and older, as well as those who are obese and at increased risk, should have their blood pressure checked annually. In their case, as well as in the case of people with diagnosed hypertension, it is worth investing in your own blood pressure monitor, which allows you to monitor the pressure on a daily basis.

Cholesterol levels

The lipid panel is a test performed to assess the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. If you are over 20 years old, cholesterol checkup should be done at least every five years. Ideally, it should be less than 200 mg / dL, and the upper limit is between 200 and 239 mg / dL. People in the high-risk group of heart disease or stroke should consult their doctor about the frequency of this test - you may need to do it more often.

Blood glucose level

It is recommended that women around 45 years old should have their blood glucose levels tested every three years as a part of health screening. This test detects diabetes or pre-diabetes state. Women in the high-risk group - obese or with family history of this disease, blood glucose testing should be performed earlier.

Pap smear test

A Pap smear for women is a test that aims to detect changes that indicate the development of cervical cancer as early as possible. It’s possible if the regularity of the visits is restricted subject to regular visits. According to the recommendations, it should be performed at least every three years from the beginning of sexual intercourse until the age of 65. The condition for maintaining such frequency is the correct result of the previous test.

More about the test: Pap smear: What is it and When should it be performed?

Breast testing for cancer

One of the most common cancers diagnosed in women is breast cancer. As part of prophylaxis, the so-called breast self-examination, which should be performed at least once a month by every woman, regardless of age. No accessories are needed to make it, so it can be made at any time. Breast changes should be reported to the doctor. When the need arises, further diagnostics may be necessary, including mammography. This examination involves placing the breast between the plates and then taking x-rays. According to the current recommendations, health screening for women should include mammography. It should be performed by every woman after reaching 50 every two years. Earlier screening for breast cancer may be necessary for women with a family history of the disease.

Skin examination

According to the American Cancer Society, women should check up their skin each month. It should consider the whole body, with particular attention to new moles and moles that have changed their look. Their appearance may indicate the development of skin cancer - melanoma.

Identification of potential neoplastic changes should follow the ABCDE principle:

• A, asymmetry: If a mole is cut in half vertically, the two halves are not the same.
• B, border: The edges of the mole are irregular.
• C, color: there are changes to the color of the mole or the surrounding area.
• D, diameter: the diameter of the mole is more than 5 mm.
• E, everything: the mole starts to itch, bleed, or change in any way.

Melanoma diagnosed early is highly curable. People at high risk or with a family history of this condition should discuss the frequency of dermatological examinations. You should also watch out for wounds that don't heal.

Colon cancer screening

Colorectal cancer screening should begin at 50 years old. Typically, a sigmoidoscopy is performed, which involves inserting a special tube with a camera through the anus to examine the lower part of the colon, or a colonoscopy, in which a longer tube allows the entire colon to be examined. Unless a problem is found, or you have a higher risk of colon cancer, sigmoidoscopy is repeated every 10 years.

More on colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer - symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Bone density test

Women should begin screening for osteoporosis with a bone density test at age 65. People with risk factors for osteoporosis, such as fractures or low body weight, should be screened early. In order to detect any abnormalities, a densitometry is performed (most often using the DXA method). As part of the examination, the patient lies on the table while the X-ray machine takes pictures that accurately show the density of a given bone or section of the spine. The frequency with which these tests are performed varies with bone density and other risk factors.

Women health screening - summary

Many of the above tests are ordered by doctors on a routine basis as part of a follow-up visit. However, it is worth asking carefully about the possibilities and preventive programs available.