Preventive health screenings often discover serious conditions sooner than symptoms might arise. These important tests allow for early intervention and treatment, if necessary, can be more effective when started early. In honor of Women’s Health Month this May, I urge you to get your screenings regularly. Here are just some of the most critical preventive care tests to undergo.
Breast Cancer Screening
Annual breast cancer screenings are recommended for women beginning at age 40, though some women will need testing earlier because of family history of breast cancer. Finding breast cancer early makes it easier to treat. Scans like a mammogram, which is essentially an x-ray of the breast, identify areas of concern and areas of cancer before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.
Bone Density Test
Osteoporosis is often associated with senior citizens and a higher risk of bone fracture, but this progressive bone disease can impact women with autoimmune conditions or other health concerns. Discovering that you have developed osteopenia (lower-than-normal bone density) before age 65 is an important test result that helps a doctor identify treatments to strengthen your bones and recover lost density. A DXA scan is the most common bone density test.
Cervical Cancer Screening
A Pap test is recommended every three years for women beginning at age 30. This cervical cancer screening is designed to find abnormal cells in the cervix that may turn into cancer. A human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for potential cell changes as well. Both screenings can be done at the same time during an annual gynecological exam.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer screenings discover precancerous polyps, which are abnormal growths in the colon or rectum. Finding, removing, and testing these polyps allows for early diagnosis and intervention before the growths turn into colon cancer. One of the most effective screening tests for colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy. This procedure is especially important for women who have already been diagnosed with colitis, Crohn’s disease, or other inflammatory bowel diseases.
Take Care of Your Good Health
Women’s health conditions are often genetic, so if your mother or grandmother suffered from breast cancer or early osteoporosis, your likelihood of developing the conditions increase. Besides maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and getting enough rest, make screening appointments and keep them.
These brief screening guidelines are intended for women and to get you started on a preventive care path to good health. If you have questions about certain symptoms, conditions, or would like to discuss the best path going forward for your well-being, schedule an appointment with me, Dr. Maria Swetech, so we can discuss your personal health challenges and concerns.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
