Women’s health: screenings and exams every woman should know about

May 15, 1:27 PMDetroit Health and Beauty ExaminerSherri Dansby

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Most women want to maintain optimal health and prevent health problems as they age, such as breast cancer, a common fear among women. But heart disease is the leading health problem for American women. A healthy lifestyle, including a sensible diet and physical activity, is something a woman can control to prevent heart disease and other health problems. And she should have the following health screenings and exams that doctors recommend for adult women.

• Blood pressure tests measure the amount of pressure your heart generates when pumping blood through your body. For a woman with a reading of 120/80 or lower, a blood pressure check should be done at least every two years. Annual checks should be done if the top number (systolic) is between 120 and 139 or 80 to 89 for the bottom number (diastolic). High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attack or heart failure, stroke and kidney disease.

• Breast cancer screening through annual mammograms to detect lumps, calcifications or other abnormal changes should begin at age 40 for most women. But women at greater risk should begin at an earlier age, including those with a mother or sister with breast cancer or those with a mutation in one of the breast cancer genes (BRCA). MRI and breast ultrasound are also sometimes used to check for breast abnormalities.

• Cervical cancer screening via pap smears should begin at age 21 or when a woman becomes sexually active. The screening is done annually if sexual partners change. If three annual tests are normal and there is one sexual partner, a pap smear can be done every three years.

• Cholesterol tests should be done every five years, or annually if you have a history of abnormal test results. The test will measure your blood for total cholesterol, fats (lipids), HDL “good cholesterol” (high-density lipoprotein) and triglyceride levels. High lipid levels increase risk for heart disease and stroke.

• Colon and rectal cancer screening should begin at age 50, or earlier if you have a family history of either, or have polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. A colonoscopy is usually done to detect suspicious (pre-cancerous) polyps within the colon.

• A dental exam should be done annually so that a dentist can examine your teeth, gums, tongue, lips and soft tissue. A dentist will check for gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer and check your bite. Other problems can also be detected, such as teeth grinding and jaw joint problems.

• A fasting blood sugar test for diabetes should be done if you’re at an increased risk for diabetes, such as having high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, obesity or family history of diabetes. The test measures the level of sugar in the blood after an eight-hour fast and the results will indicate how often you need the test. High levels of sugar in the blood can indicate diabetes.

• An annual eye exam should begin at age 40 (or earlier if you have vision problems). An ophthalmologist or optometrist will check the movement and pressure of the eyes, and sharpness of your vision and peripheral sight. Some vision problems become more common as you age, including:
  • Glaucoma, increased pressure in your eye, which can lead to vision loss
  • Macular degeneration, a condition resulting in deterioration of retinal cells, which gradually decreases vision
  • Cataracts, a clouding of the clear lens of your eye, which blurs vision

• Weight and height should be checked annually to calculate your body mass index (BMI). Overweight and obese people should work with their doctors to develop a plan to lose weight safely to maintain or improve their overall health. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and risk factors for other diseases.

These are general guidelines for women. Always talk to your personal doctor for advice on the health screenings and exams shown here.