Everybody needs preventive medical screenings and testing to ensure optimal health and wellness, yet women have medical needs unique to their biological makeup. Different women’s health screenings should occur during various phases of their lives to address certain health-related needs. That includes their teen years, adulthood, and senior life.
Undergoing these lab tests and medical exams can save your life even if you don’t feel unwell or experience symptoms. Below, our experts explain which screenings are essential to women and why.
Mammograms and Pap Smears: What Every Woman Should Know About These Important Cancer Screenings
Two of the most standard and necessary women’s health screenings are mammograms and pap smears.
Mammogram
A mammogram is a breast cancer screening that uses a specific X-ray or breast ultrasound technique to identify potential markers for breast cancer inside a woman’s chest tissues. For those with dense breast tissues, a 3D mammogram may be necessary to produce clear images.
Generally, women should begin annual mammography screenings at age 45. Those with a family history of the disease or other medical concerns may need to start screening earlier.
Pap Smear
Another must-have screening for women is the pap smear, which tests for cervical cancer and addresses reproductive health concerns. Women between 21 and 30 should have a pap test and a follow-up appointment after three years if the initial result is negative. The timeframe for people aged 30 to 65 is once every three to five years, but the frequency can change if results are positive or abnormal.
HPV testing may also occur during a pap smear since the top cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus. A vaccine against the infection is available for any woman at risk aged 45 or younger.
Four Other Essential Screenings for a Woman’s Wellness Maintenance
Necessary women’s health screenings extend beyond breast and pelvic exams. Learn what healthcare measures you should take for overall wellness.
1. Vaccinations
Various diseases or infections remain a threat for aging adults, including shingles, pneumonia, and the flu. Vaccines offer protection to keep you healthy.
Here is a general timeline for receiving essential vaccines:
- Flu: Once a year for all adults
- TDAP or tetanus shot: Every ten years
- Shingles: Available for adults over 50
- Pneumococcal or pneumonia shot: Available for adults over 65
- HPV: Adults up to age 45 who didn’t get the vaccine in adolescence
Supplement women’s health screenings with critical vaccines.
2. Colon Cancer Screening
Colon cancer is a serious concern for older adults. The illness could be fatal in some cases, and symptoms sometimes go unnoticed. It’s best to start colon cancer screening as early as age 45 either through a colonoscopy or an at-home testing kit.
3. Osteoporosis Screening
Bone density scans are necessary for older adult women at risk for developing osteoporosis. This condition reduces bone density, making it easier to get fractures. Usually, women over 65 need the test, yet younger people may also receive it if necessary.
4. Mental Health Screening
Health screens should encompass your physical and mental health. Physicians often screen for depression during annual physicals using questionnaires to determine your mental well-being. Your doctor will give you the next steps to help improve your mental soundness, depending on your responses.
Take Control of Your Health With Convenient Lab Testing From Medical Profiles
We know the importance of women’s health screenings and their contribution to a person’s wellness maintenance here at Medical Profiles in Houston, Texas. We’re one of the area’s go-to sources for top-tier medical lab testing. Our lab technicians can provide thorough physical examinations to help you better understand your health.
For the ultimate convenience, we offer in-office appointments and mobile lab testing. Call Medical Profiles at (832) 251-3926 today to make an appointment.
