Regular screening tests are required to get a diagnosis of a disease in its initial phase for it to be managed properly. So, below are the tests that need to be done for women in the age group of 40-64 years:
Find out which screenings women should have and when to have them
- Cholesterol
It is recommended to undergo cholesterol screening after the age of 45 years in women who are not at risk of developing coronary disease and it should be checked regularly every 5 years. But if a woman shows changes in lifestyle or weight and has signs of developing coronary heart disease then the level of cholesterol should be monitored regularly.
- Blood pressure:
Blood pressure is considered normal if it is 120/ 80 mm of Hg, but if there is any decrease or increase in the blood pressure above or below the normal limits it is considered abnormal. For this yearly checkup is required and if the following risk factors are present, it should be done yearly:
- Genetic tendency to hypertension
- Obesity
- High BP during pregnancy
- Diabetes or heart disease
- Diabetes
Screening for diabetes is recommended every 3 years after the age of 45 years in women. Also, if the following are present:
- BMI >25
- BP more than 130/ 80 mm of Hg
- Screening for breast cancer
Mammograms are advised to be done every 1-2 years in the age group of 40 -49 years. Self-examination of breast cancer is not advisable by experts as it is not very beneficial in the diagnosis of breast cancer itself. So, mammography is required.
- Lung cancer screening
Annually screening for lung cancer should be done after 55 years of age in women who have been chronic smokers for the past 15 years and currently smoking.
- Eye examination
Eye testing above the age of 44 years should be done every 3 years. Also, women who have a risk of developing diabetes and tend to have a high BP are recommended to check their vision regularly as these diseases tend to damage vision.
- Skin (self-examination):
Skin should be checked, and self-examined regularly if at risk of skin cancer or having a family history of skin cancer.
- DEXA scan:
This test is recommended to check bone density and to diagnose osteoporosis which can only be done by checking bone density tests. So, women above 50 years are advised to get this done as they are more prone to fractures at this age due to decreased bone density.
- STIs:
Women between 18-79 years must get themselves checked for HIV, syphilis, or other sexually transmitted diseases once in this span of time
- Colon cancer screening
women at risk of colon cancer should be screened before 45 years and after the age of 45 years, this screening should be done regularly. The following should be done in women at risk :
Every 1 year :
- Fecal occult test
- Fecal immunochemical test
Every 5 years:
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Double-contrast barium enema
- Virtual colonoscopy
Every 10 years:
- Colonoscopy (in case of IBD, adenomatous polyps, or family history of colorectal disease)
For more information, you can visit Healthline and Mayoclinic.
