Just Checking In: Important Screenings for Women

Just Checking In

Important Screenings for Women

Each year, during the second week of May, the Office of Women’s Health with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services celebrates National Women’s Health Week. Beginning on Mother’s Day, this week is dedicated to educating, encouraging, and motivating women to live healthy, long and fulfilling lifestyles.

National Women’s Check-Up Day is observed annually on the Monday during National Women’s Health Week in an effort to encourage women to visit their doctor for the necessary screenings to obtain optimal health. Take a look at the list below to find out when and how often you should be screened (plus, a free screening chart at the bottom of the page!)

 

Bone Health

Bone Density Test: Between the ages of 50-64, women should speak with their doctor to see if they are at risk for osteoporosis. Women 65 or older should be screening at least once.

Breast Health

Clinical Breast Exam: Receive a clinical breast exam every three years if you are in your 20s and 30s. If you are 40 or older, aim to have clinical breast exam every year.
Mammogram: Yearly mammograms are also recommended if you are 40 years of age or over. Women who are at an increased risk or show signs of developing breast cancer are highly encouraged to receive regular mammograms.

Colorectal Health

Colon Cancer Screening: Begin receiving colorectal cancer screenings at the age of 50. If you are at an increased risk, speak with your medical provider about the frequency of screenings.

 

Diabetes

Fasting Blood Glucose: Annually* If you are 45 years or older, it is recommended that you be screened for your fasting plasma glucose levels.

If you have a blood pressure higher than 135/80 or are currently taking BP medicine, being screened regularly for diabetes is recommended.

Heart Heath

Blood Pressure: Receive a blood pressure screening at least once every 2 years if you have a normal blood pressure of less than 120/80. If you have a BP reading between 120/80 and 139/89, get screened at least once a year. Speak with your doctor if you have a BP reading of 140/90 or higher.

Cholesterol Screening: If you are relatively healthy and have not had any problems with your cholesterol levels, receive a screening every 3 to 5 years. If you currently have or are at an increased risk of having high cholesterol, speak with your medical provider to find out how often you should be screened.

 

Reproductive Health

Pap Test: If you are between the ages of 21-30, receive a pap test and HPV test at least every 3 years. If you are between the ages of 31-64 and have consistently had normal pap results, receive a pap test at least every 5 years. If your cervix or uterus has been removed or if you have had sequential normal Pap smear results, speak with your medical provider about the frequency of your screenings.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): If you are sexually active, of child-bearing age and/or at an increased risk of contracting an STD, aim to be screened regularly for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV and HIV.

 

Sources:

American Cancer Society

American heart Association

Office of Women’s Health

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AFIYA Mag Screening Chart