Women’s Health – Essential Screenings and Preventative Care

Introduction

Taking charge of your health by getting recommended screenings and exams can be lifesaving. Preventative care allows issues to be detected early when they are most treatable. While guidelines vary slightly among medical organisations, here are some of the most important screenings and preventative measures for women’s health at different life stages.

Women’s Health

In Your 20s

• Pap smear: This simple test analyses cells from your cervix to detect any abnormalities or precancerous changes. It’s recommended to start getting Pap smears at age 21, and then every 3 years in your 20s.
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing: Sexually active women should get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis. Testing should occur annually for those with new partners.
• Clinical breast exam: Your doctor manually checks for lumps/changes in your breast tissue. Breast exams are recommended every 1-3 years in your 20s.
• Discuss family planning: Talk to your doctor about contraception to avoid unplanned pregnancy. Get preconception counselling if you’re considering pregnancy.
• Get recommended vaccines: Make sure you’ve had the HPV vaccine to protect against cervical and other cancers. The flu shot is also important annually.

In Your 30s

• Clinical breast exam: Recommended every 1-3 years.
• Pap smear: Have this done every 3 years. After age 30, you can get a Pap plus HPV testing every 5 years.
• Mammogram: Starting at age 40, get a mammogram annually to screen for breast cancer. If you have elevated risk, your doctor may suggest beginning earlier.
• Chlamydia screening: Sexually active women < 25 years old should be screened annually. At age 25, screen again if at increased risk.
• Discuss genetic testing for BRCA: If you have a family history of breast/ovarian cancer, talk to your doctor about genetic testing. Testing can be done in your 30s or prior to family planning.

In Your 40s

• Mammogram: Annual mammograms are recommended starting at age 40.
• Pap + HPV test: Every 5 years.
• Colorectal cancer screening: Options include a colonoscopy every 10 years or stool-based tests like FIT annually. Screening should begin at age 45.
• Diabetes screening: Get checked for diabetes or prediabetes if you are overweight or obese. Screening should start no later than age 45.
• Bone density test: At age 65, start testing bone density to assess for osteoporosis. Some at high risk will need earlier screening.
• Annual well-woman visit: Don’t skip your annual checkup! Discuss appropriate testing with your doctor.
• Cardiovascular screening: Starting in your 40s, discuss your heart disease risk and whether medications like aspirin or statins are appropriate.

In Your 50s and Beyond

• Mammogram: Continue annual mammograms.
• Colonoscopy: Every 10 years along with other colorectal cancer screening like FIT as recommended by your doctor.
• Bone density testing: Continue getting a DXA scan every 1-2 years to check bone health.
• Osteoporosis medication: If needed, take medication to prevent bone loss and fractures.
• Pap + HPV test: Continue every 5 years.
• Cholesterol screening: If you smoke or have other cardiovascular risks, continue getting cholesterol panels.
• Diabetes screening: Monitor blood sugar and get HbA1c tested as recommended if diabetic.
• Annual well-woman visit: Keep up with your yearly checkups and immunisations.
• Cognitive health: Discuss baseline cognitive testing and repeat periodically to check for any changes in memory/thinking.

Preventative Lifestyle Measures

Along with recommended screening, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital for preventing major diseases. Here are some key tips:

• Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke – Smoking is the #1 preventable cause of death.
• Exercise regularly – aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity like brisk walking. Weight training twice a week is also great.
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet – Focus on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein. Avoid excess sugar, salt and processed foods.
• Maintain a healthy weight – By balancing your calorie intake and physical activity. Even losing 5-10% of your weight can dramatically lower disease risks if you are overweight.
• Manage stress – Through yoga, meditation, therapy, or other relaxation techniques. Stress takes a toll on the body.
• Sleep 7-9 hours per night – Lack of sleep is linked to higher risks of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
• Limit alcohol intake – Heavy drinking increases your risk of many cancers and organ damage.

Conclusion

Staying on top of recommended health screenings and exams based on your age is the most effective way to catch potential issues early. Partnering with your doctor and adopting preventative lifestyle measures are also key to optimising wellness and avoiding disease. While guidelines will evolve over time, the basic principles remain constant – know your risks, get checked routinely, make healthy choices, and work as a team with your healthcare providers. Investing in prevention pays invaluable dividends through added years of healthy living. Your vitality today and for decades to come depends on the priority you place on protecting your health starting now.

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