Living healthy is not difficult at all as it seems. However it does need vigilance and effort. You need to get proper screening tests which can detect health issues when they are in treatable condition. After starting the test, you can stay healthy for the rest of the life.
Essential Health Screening for woman in 20s-30s
Pap smear and pelvic exam
Despite of the sexual history, women who are 21 years of age must perform Pap smear once in every 3 years. It checks for abnormal signs for cervical cancer. You can perform the test infrequently post 3 normal Pap results. The interval will extend with negative HPV test. Depending on age and risk factors of the individuals you need to test for STDs as well.
Breast cancer screening
Screening for breast cancer comprises of screening mammograms and clinical exams. If any family members have had breast cancer then you need to check more frequently for breast cancer of dangerous kinds related to genes (BRCA 2 or BRCA 1). Consult with the doctor regarding BRCA testing and genetic counselling.
Physical exam
Two physicals are compulsory in your 20s. Doctor carries out complete assessment for checking:
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Weight
- Height
Your doctor will question regarding:
- Close partner violence
- Vaccination history
- Exercise and diet
- Smoking
- Drug and alcohol use
- Depression
Cholesterol test
Women after 20 years of age should start getting screening for triglycerides and cholesterol level. The frequency will be more if there is any risk of coronary heart disease. Starting at a young age, you must perform the test once every 4-6 years. Post 45 years of age, cholesterol screening is crucial due to increase in heart disease along age.
Blood pressure test
Blood pressure or hypertenstion test is mandatory if the BP is about 140/90. High pressure leads to many complexities. Even you need to check it if it is 120/80. Doctor will recommend checking the blood pressure more frequently if you have high Blood Pressure. Diabetes screening is pivotal if there is high blood pressure.
Eye exam
If you have glasses or contacts then you need to perform eye exam every year. Otherwise, it is better to check it once in 2 years. For any concern you must see the eye doctor right away.
Dental exam
Go for regular dental check up and professional cleaning
Immunizations
Don’t miss to take flu vaccine every year once you are about 65 years of age and are prone to infection. After 19, you need to take tetanus-diphtheria booster once in every ten years. HPV vaccine is must for the women below 26 years of age. Take the varicella vaccine if you never suffered from chickenpox.
Essential tests 40s-60s
The test you start in 20s will continue for 40s but exam timing will change. You must:
- Undergo physical exam every 1-5 years,
- Get eye exam once in every 2 years
- Undergo professional breast exam
- Take shingle vaccine after 60 years of age
Mammogram
Mammogram is essential, test for screening breast cancer. But the frequency of undergoing the treatment differs by age. It is highly recommendable for the women within 50-74 years of age. Women who are below 50 must consult with the doctor for knowing the frequency of undergoing mammography.
Breast exam
Breast exam is necessary after a woman reaches 40 years of age. Doctor will check for breasts manually and visually. They try to differentiate them by looking for lumps, dimpling, rashes, shapes and size. They will also look if the nipples make fluid on squeezing gently. Any changes you should report it to physician.
Colon cancer screening
After becoming 50, colon cancer needs a kick start. Some potential test comprises of:
- Annual stool test
- Colonoscopy
- flexible sigmoidoscopy
- computed tomographic colonoscopy
- double-contrast barium enema
Women with colon cancer risk undergo the screening frequently after 75 years of age.
Skin checks
You need to start the test from 18 years of age if there are suspicious and new moles. Certain risk factors are there to determine the screening by the doctor.
Necessary screening post 65
Screening and tests will change with aging. Now while frequent check for blood pressure is essential you can check the cholesterol once in every 3-5 years.
Bone density test
After 65, women need to perform osteoporosis. If you ever had any fracture, bone density check becomes pivotal after menopause. Women with highly susceptible to fracture; need to perform this test after 65 years of age.
Hearing test
You should perform audiogram every year. It checks the hearing at different intensity and pitch levels.
Pneumonia vaccine
Two vaccine sets are there you have to get within an interval of a year. It is necessary for the people about 65 years of age to take the jab against pneumonia.
Other necessary tests
Depending on the health, you need to undergo other tests for supplementing age-wise tests.
Depression screening
In contrast to men, most women experience depression. In case you are really concerns of it go for screening. The doctor asks questions on certain symptoms like
- Sluggishness
- No interest in doing regular activities
- Loss of sexual interest and libido
- Irritability
- Sleep troubles
Diabetes test
In case you are prone to diabetes, then it is necessary to screen for diabetes and prediabetes once in every 3 years from the age of 40. The patients who have 135/80 blood pressure and high level of cholesterol get the advice for screening for type 2 diabetes.
Start undergoing the test from early age. You can visit Health Screening Clinic for Well Woman Check up to choose from as per your age and recommendations.
