What health tests and checkups do you really need this year? We know it’s confusing, so that’s why we tried to figure out what medical exams women really need. These tests can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment are better. As a woman, you need some special exams and screenings. There are some simple health tests for women which could save your health.
In your 20s -30s
As you finish your education, you establish a career and embark on relationships and families, often with children. Your health is at its peak. Get plenty of exercise and sleep, eat a balanced diet and take frequent breaks. Just remember to keep an eye on your health.
Recommended tests:
Pap test: Screen for cervical cancer every two years, for women over 18, or one to two years after becoming sexually active.
STIs: Annual screening for Chlamydia trachomatis infection in all sexually active women under the age of 25. Screening for other STIs (sexually transmitted infections), such as gonorrhoea, HIV, and syphilis, if indicated by risk assessment.
BMI and waist circumference assessment: Every two years, in people who are overweight; annually for those at increased risk of diabetes, stroke, gout, liver, cardiovascular or gallbladder disease.
Type 2 diabetes test: Every three years from age 18.
Blood pressure: All adults from the age of 18 should check their blood pressure at least every two years.
Breast cancer self-check: All women should be familiar with the look and feel of their breasts and report changes to their physician.
Colorectal cancer screening: Every one to two years, from age 25, for those have a family history of colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, rectal cancer, bowel cancer.
Depression: Opportunistic screening with effective treatment and follow-up.
Dental check-ups: Every 12 months.
Eye check: The most reported health condition in the 20s is short-sightedness.
Fertility check: If you’re trying to get pregnant or have hormone problems, a fertility test can rule out infertility, endometriosis, or polycystic ovarian syndrome.
HPV vaccine: The cervical cancer vaccine which protects women against certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), is free to all women aged 12 to 26.
In your 40s - 50s
Work-life balance continues to be a struggle and, while you’re still relatively healthy, you’ll have to work harder to keep it up. In your 50s your children begin to leave home, you’ll have more time to focus on health. Have regular check-ups and continue good exercise and eating programmes.
Recommended tests:
Pap test: Every two years.
Mammogram and/or ultrasound: If you’re considered high risk, you should have one every two years. Otherwise, perform regular self-checks.
BMI and waist circumference: Every two years for those who are overweight; annually for those at increased risk.
Type 2 diabetes test: Every three years.
Blood pressure: Every two years; more regularly if you’re considered high risk.
Depression: Opportunistic screening with effective treatment and follow-up.
Dental check-ups: Every 12 months.
Hyperlipidaemia screening: Checking cholesterol and blood lipids in women without other cardiovascular risk factors is recommended every five years from the age of 45.
Stroke risk: All those over the age of 45 should be screened for risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
Osteoporosis: All women over 40 should be assessed.
Colorectal cancer screening: Every one to two years for those considered high risk (a family history of bowel cancer).
Skin cancer self-check: Self-checks every three months; high-risk people over 40 should be examined.
Eye check
Kidney disease: Screening recommended annually from age 50. Those at high risk should also have their glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated.
Full health check: Annual blood tests from age 45 for cholesterol, blood sugar and other conditions as indicated by the doctor.
Vaccines: For Influenza and pneumococcal if high risk.
In your 60s+
Retirement provides more time to focus on a healthy lifestyle.
Recommended screening
Pap test: Every two years until age 69, if you have had two normal smears in the previous five years.
Mammogram: Every two years until age 69.
BMI and waist circumference: Every two years if overweight; annually if increased risk.
Type 2 diabetes test: Every three years.
Blood pressure: Every two years or more often if considered higher risk or over 75.
Depression: Opportunistic screening where there is effective treatment and follow-up.
Dental check-ups: Every 12 months.
Hyperlipidaemia screening: Every five years for people without other cardivascular risk factors.
Stroke: Testing for hypertension, dyslipidaemia and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
Osteoporosis: All women should be tested. Bone mineral densitometry only in over-65s.
Colorectal cancer: FOBT screening every two years until age 75. Colonoscopy every five years if moderate risk; genetic tests annually for high risk.
Kidney disease: Every year. Those at high risk should have their GFR estimated.
Full health check: Including blood tests.
Eye check: Every 12 months from age 65.
Hearing: Every 12 months from age 65.
Vaccines: Influenza recommended for over-65s. Pneumococcal if high risk.
Dementia screening: If there is a family history, head trauma or early signs.
Remember, everybody is different, so see your doctor to discuss the health screenings that are most relevant to you and your family.
