30 Health Screenings Every Woman Over 40 Needs, According to Doctors ( courtecy;- prevemtion ) click for detailks at sliding arrow

30 Health Screenings Every Woman Over 40 Needs, According to Doctors

Women in their 40s are at higher risk for heart disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis.

Health Checklist for Women Over 40

IN THIS ARTICLE

• Print out this list to keep track of tests and procedures you need after the age of 40 and take it with you to your next doctor's appointment.

Print out this list to keep track of tests and procedures you need after the age of 40 and take it with you to your next doctor's appointment.

Breast Cancer Screening

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Procedure/test: What it does: Starting at age: How often: Date performed/results: Mammogram Checks for breast cancer 40 (or earlier with certain risk factors) Every 1 to 2 years, depending on risk   Doctor's breastexam May detect breastcancers missed by mammography 20 Annually; Every three years for women 20-40

Cervical cancer screening (one of the following):

Procedure/test: What it does: Starting at age: How often: Date performed/results: Pap smear and pelvic exam Checks for cervical cancer 21 Every three years. Women older than 65 may be able to stop testing if your doctor says you're low risk.   HPV DNA testand pelvic exam HPV is a virus that is known to cause cervical cancer 30 The PAP every three years and HPV every five years until age 65, or as recommended by your doctor. Women older than 65 may be able to stop testing if your doctor says you're low risk.   Pap smear plus HPV DNA testand pelvic exam Some experts recommend as more precise means to check for cervical cancer 30 Every five years until age 65, or as recommended by your doctor. Women older than 65 may be able to stop testing if your doctor says you're low risk.

Colorectal cancer screening:

Procedure/test: What it does: Starting at age: How often: Date performed/results: Colonoscopy Outpatient procedure in which a doctor inserts a long, flexible instrument - about 1/2 inch in diameter - into the rectum to view the rectum and entire colon. Many experts say colonoscopy is the most accurate colon cancer screening 50 (or earlier with certain risk factors) Every 10 years, more often for those with risk factors, a family history or history of colon polyps.   Fecal occult blood test(FOBT) Stool is tested for blood -- a possible sign of colorectal cancer 50 Annually   Flexible sigmoidoscopy Outpatient procedure for examining the lower portion of the large intestine, called the sigmoid colon. A special instrument with a tiny camera attached is used. 50 Every 5 years   Air-contrast barium enema(for those who cannot undergo a routine colonoscopy) Barium is given as an enema, and then air is blown in to make the barium spread over the lining of the colon, producing an outline of the colon on X-ray. This helps to reveal any irregularities in the lining, such as a polyp. 50 Every 5 years   *Your doctor will pick which screening test is best for you. Your screening schedule may be different depending on your personal and family history.

Heart disease screening:

Procedure/test: What it does: Starting at age: How often: Date performed/results: Blood cholesterol test Measures amount of total cholesterol, "bad" LDL, and "good" HDL cholesterol circulating in the blood. Levels of triglycerides, another blood fat, are also usually checked. 20 Every 5 years, or at your doctor's discretion   Blood pressurecheck Measures blood pressure, an indicator of heart risk 18 At least every other year, more often if reading is above normal   Fasting plasma glucose Measures blood sugar, an indicator of diabetes risk 45, or younger if you are overweight with BMI > 25kg/m2 and have other risk factors such as hypertension or high cholesterol Every three years if in normal range, or at your doctor's discretion

Bone Health:

Procedure/test: What it does: Starting at age: How often: Date performed/results: Bone mineral density test Used as an indicator of bone strength and osteoporosisrisk 65, or earlier for women with previous fragility fractures; a family history of osteoporosis; on medications that cause bone loss; or have problems with calcium absorption At your doctor's discretion

Sexual Health: 

If you are sexually active and have a higher risk for STDs, get tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis yearly. Take an HIV test at least once, more frequently if you’re at risk.

Vaccines/immunizations:

Procedure/test: What it does: Starting at age: How often: Date performed/results: Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis(Td/Tdap) booster Restores protection against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) infection Varies. Recommended in the third trimester of each pregnancy. One dose of Tdap as a booster, and then a Td booster every 10 years   Pneumonia vaccine Provides lifelong protection against pneumonia 65 or earlier in people with risk factors, such as heart failure, lung disease, alcoholism, and others Two shots if given at age 65 or later. May need to be repeated in people who have certain medical conditions who received it before the age of 65   Influenzavaccine Provides protection against common influenzastrains Everyone 6 months of age and older Yearly Shingrix To help protect against shingles 50 Two doses 2-6 months apart   Zostavax To help protect against herpes zoster, or shingles 60 One dose

NOTE: Guidelines for screening vary. This is a compilation of generally accepted major screening recommendations from national health organizations and experts, but it is by no means comprehensive or a substitute for your doctor's advice.

WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Traci C. Johnson, MD on September 17, 2018

Sources

© 2018 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

By Sara Shulman

Oct 24, 2018

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