Health Tests
Every Woman Should Have
Besides the basic vision check and dental exam, your primer to preventive care should include the following tests:
Pap test
Why: All women should have an annual gynecologic exam to screen for
abnormalities of the female reproductive system. The Pap test is one
important component of a health screening evaluation for women. The
test collects cells from the cervix and examines them for any changes that
may indicate the possibility of cancer. Other tests your physician may order
when performing a pelvic examination can evaluate for yeast, bacteria, or
sexually transmittable infections.
When: Beginning at age 20 or the onset of sexual activity and continuing
after menopause until age 65 to 70. Pap tests should be repeated at least
every three years – or annually, if recommended by your doctor based on
your age, lifestyle, reproductive health and heredity. At age 65 to 70, if you
have had three normal tests and no abnormalities for the 10-year prior
period, your doctor may discontinue testing.
Cholesterol screening
Why: High cholesterol has no symptoms – but can have serious health
consequences, from heart attack to stroke. Your reading will include LDL
(low-density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or “good” cholesterol. Excess LDL cholesterol can cause build-up
in the arteries, interfering with blood flow to the heart and brain. HDL
cholesterol has protective qualities because of its ability to remove LDL
from the blood. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, “safe” total cholesterol level is
200 mg/dL. Scores above 200 indicate increased risk of developing heart
disease and over 240, high risk.
When: Schedule your first cholesterol test at age 20 and repeat the test
at least every five years until age 45. If you are 45 or older, have a family
history of heart disease, or have a total cholesterol level of over 200, get an
annual screening.
Clinical breast exam and mammogram
Why: A clinical breast exam monitors your breast tissue for lumps, thickening or any other changes that warrant follow-up. A mammogram is an x-ray
that shows a detailed picture of the breast tissue
– and it can detect breast cancer one to three years before you actually
feel a lump in your breast, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your doctor may
recommend a breast ultrasound or MRI for a closer look at any changes.
This helps locate breast cancer at its earliest – and most treatable – stage.
When: Annual clinical breast exams should begin by age 30 and be
performed at least every three years. Schedule your first mammogram by
age 40 and have one annually, unless your doctor instructs you to return
more frequently.
When: Beginning at age 35, and every five years, or more often if you
have thyroid symptoms or risk factors, such as family history.
Hypertension
Why: A blood pressure reading is a part of every doctor’s visit, beginning
in childhood. However, it is monitored more closely as we age. High blood
pressure (HBP) can occur at any point in life, but most often over age 35.
According to the American Heart Association, about 73 million adults have
HBP, and nearly half are women. HBP has no symptoms: the only way to
detect it is to check it. As a woman ages, her chance of having HBP – particularly after menopause – is greater, even with a lifetime history of normal
blood pressure. HBP can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure and
kidney damage.
When: At least every two years, and more often if you have prehypertension, a family history or other risk factors.
Diabetes
Why: Diabetes is a condition in which the body doesn’t make enough insulin or has a reduced response to insulin – causing your blood sugar to be
too high. Nearly 21 million individuals in the U.S. have diabetes – including
9.7 million women – and almost one third do not know it, according to the
American Diabetes Association. Some people with diabetes experience
symptoms, others may go for up to 10 years without clear symptoms.
Diabetes puts you at increased risk for other serious health threats, such
as heart disease or stroke. Women in particular suffer severe consequences from diabetes – ranging from birth defects during pregnancy, to heart
attack and stroke, to premature menopause.
When: A screening blood sugar test – known as a fasting plasma glucose
test – is recommended at least once by age 45, or sooner if risk factors
are present (high blood pressure or cholesterol, obesity, or high blood
sugar).
Colonoscopy
Why: A colonoscopy examines the large intestine to screen for colon
cancer – which is 90 percent curable if found early. The test is performed
under sedation, using a long, thin, flexible tube. Any growths or polyps
can be removed during the course of the test and biopsied.
When: At age 50, then once every 10 years, if no polyps are found or risk
factors exist. Patients with higher risk (parent diagnosed before age 50, or
a condition like inflammatory bowel disease) should get their first test 10
years before the family member was first diagnosed, with repeat testing at
least every five years.
Resources: American Heart Association (www.aha.org), American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org),
National Osteoporosis Foundation (www.nof.org), American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org),
and The Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org).
To find a physician close to you, visit
Weatherford Regional Medical Center’s online Physician Directory at
WeatherfordRegional.com/Physicians
PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY
Bone density scan
Why: A bone density scan measures the mass of your bones and assesses
your risk of developing osteoporosis –