WebMD Medical News
Eight Screenings and Exams that are essential for Every Women


HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

What Is It – A condition in which levels of pressure inside the blood vessels are higher than normal. If untreated, hypertension can lead to heart attacks and stroke.

Testing Frequency – Every two years, if normal. More often if you have been diagnosed with hypertension.

HIGH CHOLESTEROL

What Is It – The body makes all the cholesterol it needs, but some people have higher levels than normal due to family history of high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle or a high-fat diet. High cholesterol is linked to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.

Test Frequency – Every 6-12 months starting at age 45. If you smoke, have diabetes or heart disease runs in your family, your physician may recommend cholesterol checks beginning at 20.

OSTEOPOROSIS

What Is It – A condition that occurs when the body loses bone mass more quickly than it rebuilds it. Osteoporosis can contribute to broken bones, increasing frailty, disability and death.

Testing Frequency – Have a bone density screening at age 65. If you are Caucasian or Asian, fine-boned or have a family history of osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend earlier testing. Ask your doctor about medications that may also put you at greater risk.

DIABETES

What Is It ¬– A medical condition in which the body either doesn’t make enough insulin, a hormone that allows cells to absorb energy, or the insulin it makes can’t be absorbed by cells. Diabetes is a chronic disease that can contribute to heart disease, blindness and amputation.

Testing Frequency – Talk with your physician. Screening frequency is determined by your overall health, age and family history.

BREAST CANCER

What Is It – A disease associated with abnormal cell growth in the breast and nearby tissues, breast cancer is typically diagnosed with a mammogram – a type of diagnostic x-ray – that checks for the presence of suspicious tissue and cancer in the breasts and nearby lymph nodes. Early detection of this type of cancer responds well to treatment.

Testing Frequency – Have a mammogram every one or two years starting at age 40.

CERVICAL CANCER

What Is It – A disease associated with abnormal cell growth on a woman’s cervix, cervical cancer is typically diagnosed with a Pap Smear. Early detection of this type of cancer responds well to treatment.

Testing Frequency – Every one to three years if you are older than 21.

COLORECTAL CANCER

What Is It – A common form of cancer linked to eating a high-fat, low-fiber diet; some people inherit a genetic predisposition for this kind of cancer.

Testing Frequency – Have a test for colorectal cancer beginning at age 50. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding testing frequency.

SKIN CANCER

What Is It – A disease associated with abnormal skin cell growth, skin cancer typically results from frequent exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. It is one of the most common types of cancer.

Testing Frequency – Watch for skin changes such as new, bleeding or painful moles. See your physician immediately if you notice any skin changes.