As women age, their risk of developing certain health conditions increases. That's why it's important for women over the age of 40 to get regular health tests to detect any potential health issues early on. In this post, we will explore the health tests that women above 40 should get.
Mammogram: A mammogram is a screening test that uses X-rays to detect breast cancer. Women over the age of 40 should get a mammogram every 1-2 years.
Pap smear: A Pap smear is a test that screens for cervical cancer. Women should get a Pap smear every 3 years starting at age 21, or every 5 years if combined with an HPV test, until age 65.
Bone density test: A bone density test measures the strength and density of bones. Women over the age of 50 should get a bone density test every 2 years to screen for osteoporosis.
Blood pressure test: High blood pressure is a common health condition that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Women should get their blood pressure checked at least once a year.
Cholesterol test: High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Women should get a cholesterol test every 4-6 years.
Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a test that screens for colon cancer. Women should get a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm
https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/womens-health/pap-test
https://www.nof.org/patients/diagnosis-information/bone-density-examtesting/
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/why-high-blood-pressure-is-a-silent-killer/high-blood-pressure-and-women
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screening-tests-used.html
Mammogram: A mammogram is a screening test that uses X-rays to detect breast cancer. Women over the age of 40 should get a mammogram every 1-2 years.
Pap smear: A Pap smear is a test that screens for cervical cancer. Women should get a Pap smear every 3 years starting at age 21, or every 5 years if combined with an HPV test, until age 65.
Bone density test: A bone density test measures the strength and density of bones. Women over the age of 50 should get a bone density test every 2 years to screen for osteoporosis.
Blood pressure test: High blood pressure is a common health condition that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Women should get their blood pressure checked at least once a year.
Cholesterol test: High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Women should get a cholesterol test every 4-6 years.
Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a test that screens for colon cancer. Women should get a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm
https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/womens-health/pap-test
https://www.nof.org/patients/diagnosis-information/bone-density-examtesting/
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/why-high-blood-pressure-is-a-silent-killer/high-blood-pressure-and-women
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screening-tests-used.html