Important Health Test for Women
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Schedule your lifesaving annual checkups. A clean bill of health will give you the great peace of mind. And if something needs medical attention, the sooner it’s detected the better. Quick Tip: Try planning your checkups around your birthday or anniversary; they’re easier to remember that way.
TEST FREQUENCY Date Scheduled
BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST (for diabetes) 45 & older; Every 3 years if test results are normal, or as directed by doctor
BLOOD PRESSURE READING Every 1-2 years or as directed by doctor, more frequently if over 140/90
BONE DENSITY TEST (for osteoporosis) Under 65: for postmenopausal women with risk factors – Baseline test, then as needed 65 and older: Baseline test, then as needed.
CHOLESTEROL CHECK Every 5 years or as directed by doctor
COLORECTAL SCREENINGS 50 & older: one of these 7 schedules – Test that find polyps and cancer (preferred by the American Cancer Society): Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or double contrast barium enema every 5 years or CT colonography every 5 years or colonoscopy every 10 years.
Test that may find cancer 1. Fecal occult blood test 2, fecal immunochemical test 3. Stool DNA test
DENTAL CHECKUP Every 6 months or as directed by your dentist or doctor
ENDOMETRIAL SCREENINGS 35: Women with certain risk factors should discuss screening options with doctor.
EYE EXAM 20-29: at least once 30-39: at least twice 40: Baseline eye disease screening 40-64: as directed by doctor 65 & older: every 1-2 years.
HEARING TEST Test if hearing problems or loss is suspected or as directed by doctor
PAP TEST Annually if sexually active, normally after age 16 – 60 years of age
PELVIC EXAM Annually stating at age 18; earlier if sexually active before 18
ROUTINE PHYSICAL Annually no matter your age or health status
THYROID SCREENING 35 & older: Every 5 years or as directed by doctor
BREAST SCREENING Depending on your health and your family history, usually women 35 and old need to have this done every 3 years for the first exams then once every 4 years or as directed by your doctor.
BONE DENSITY All postmenopausal women under age 65 who have one or more additional risk factors for osteoporosis or as directed by your doctor.
**No information obtained in this article is meant to replace or supplement your physicals treatment or advice. Please consult your physical regarding any medical advice or procedures based on your specific needs.