To keep our bodies healthy, we need to have regular diagnostic screenings to detect problems early. Early diagnosis and intervention offers the best prognosis for avoiding disability and premature death. These are five screening tests that every woman should have to ensure good health.
Complete Eye Examination
Regular complete eye examinations are the best way to protect your vision from damage caused by glaucoma. Glaucoma encompasses a group of eye diseases that, if untreated, can progressively lead to blindness.
Vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. There is no cure, but early detection, medication and surgery are vital to stop the debilitating progression of the disease.
The Glaucoma Research Foundation has recommended a complete eye examination that includes two tests, tonometry and ophthalmoscopy. Tonometry measures the inner pressure of the eye. Ophthalmoscopy allows examination of the inside of the eye, especially the optic nerve.
Before the age of 30, one should have a complete eye exam every two to four years. After the age of 30 and up to age 54, it is recommended to have an exam every one to three years.
People between the ages of 55 and 64 years old should have an exam every one to two years. Any one 65 years old and older should have a complete eye exam every six months to one year.
People who are at a high risk for developing glaucoma and are over the age of 35 should have an exam every one to two years.
Screening Mammogram
A screening mammogram is a diagnostic X-ray performed to detect breast cancer before a lump is felt. It usually involves two X-rays of each breast. According to the National Cancer Institute, it has been recommended that women who are 40 years old and older should have a screening mammogram every one to two years.
Women who have a higher than average risk for developing breast cancer should talk with their health care providers about having a screening mammogram before the age of 40 and about how often one should be done.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a gastroenterologist to visualize the entire large intestine. It is performed to screen for colon and rectal cancer as well as diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits.
A colonoscopy is recommended beginning at the age of 50 for both women and men who have an average risk for colon and rectal cancer. African Americans are advised to get a colonoscopy beginning at the age of 45. On average, a screening colonoscopy is repeated every 10 years.
Individuals who have risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer are advised to talk with their health care providers about having a screening colonoscopy at an earlier age and more frequently.
Pap Test
It is important for women, beginning at the age of 21, to have a Pap test with a pelvic exam as part of their routine health care. A Pap test screens for infections and abnormal cervical cells which can lead to cervical cancer. Early detection and treatment can prevent most cases of cervical cancer from developing.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a Pap test is recommended every two years beginning at the age of 20. For women age 30 and older who have had three normal Pap tests in three consecutive years, the recommendation is to discuss with their physician the possibilities of having a Pap test every three years.
Women over the age of 65 should discuss with their health care providers if a Pap test is still necessary. Women who are at a higher risk, such as being HIV positive or having a weakened immune system, need to consult their physician to determine if more frequent testing is necessary.
Bone Density Test
A bone density test, also called densitometry or DXA scan, screens for the risk of or presence of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and fracture more easily.
The actual test requires the patient to lie on a padded platform while an imager passes over the body. Low-dose radiation is used to perform the scan which lasts about 5 to 10 minutes.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation has recommended a bone density test for:
- women who are 65 years old and older
- women who are postmenopausal and under the age of 65 but with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
- women who are postmenopausal and under the age of 50 but have experienced a bone fracture
- women who are postmenopausal and not taking hormone replacement
Aside from the recommendation guidelines, the timing of the initial bone density test and the frequency of repeat testing needs to be individualized for each woman by her physician.
Edited by Jody Smith