The female body is a fantastic machine. It is unlike any other vessel, strong, durable, soft, and beautiful.
As women age, their bodies can change significantly, and as time goes by, there is the potential for much to go wrong and specific health conditions to develop.
Due to this, all women must get certain health screenings at particular times. For women 40 and over, there are appropriate and extremely important tests to ensure you maintain your optimal health and wellness.
Take charge of your life and health through this checklist of important health screenings.
Why Health Screenings Are Important
Health screenings help doctors detect diseases and conditions that can develop as people age.
The aging process is one of the main catalysts for the development of illness because the immune and other bodily systems are slowing down.
Though your body may be physically slowing down, your life certainly isn’t. Don’t get blindsided by a serious diagnosis or a life-altering condition by staying on top of important health screenings for women 40 and over.
One of the most important reasons for the existence of these screenings is that early detection often saves women’s lives. One of the best examples of this is breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society cites this data from the National Cancer Institute’s SEER database as to the 5-year relative survival rate of breast cancer patients in various stages of cancer.
Stage 0 is early onset and graduates to the most severe stage, Stage IV.
Stage 0 – 100%
Stage I – 100%
Stage II – 93%
Stage III -72%
Stage IV – 22%
As you can see, survival rates decrease as stages progress. Early detection ensures a higher success rate for various treatment methods.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Stage 0 breast cancer, medically termed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), is a non-invasive cancer characterized by abnormal cells that have grown in the lining of the breast milk duct.
In Stage 0, the cancer cells have not yet spread to the surrounding breast tissue and are very treatable.
It is where early screenings come into play because if not detected and therefore treated early on, the cancer will spread to the surrounding tissue and result in the development of cancer into the more dangerous stages.
Necessary Screenings
- Mammogram: A mammogram should check the breasts for cancer. This procedure usually begins at age 40 and is performed every one to two years if a woman has certain risk factors, such as a family history.
- Speak with your doctor about how often this procedure must be done and make an appointment as soon as possible.
Women who neglect to get this screening may increase their risk of developing cancer or other problems and can miss out on all the benefits of early detection. It is better to be safe than sorry, so contact your doctor today. - Clinical Breast Exam: A clinical breast exam is an extra precaution performed by a nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or doctor in addition to a mammogram.Though mammograms are effective, most women should use both exams to ensure optimal safety and assurance. Women usually begin receiving this exam at age 20, and it is repeated every one to three years for women between 20 and 40.This test may be able to detect lumps and other signs of breast cancer. This same exam can be used at home by women to check for lumps or changes in their breasts, and is a self-exam.
- Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam: This exam checks for cervical cancer and usually begins at age 21 for most women, especially if they are sexually active.
It is a procedure to detect any signs of cervical cancer so that doctors can treat or possibly prevent the disease from developing.
This procedure should be performed every three years unless recommended otherwise by your doctor. - Colonoscopy: This procedure is necessary for women over 40. The starting age is usually 50 unless otherwise specified by your healthcare provider.
This screening involves inserting a long, flexible instrument into the rectum to view the inside of the colon.
It may sound uncomfortable, but this test is necessary for detecting signs of colon cancer, such as polyps and other growths.
Unless certain risk factors are in place, this test is only needed once every 10 years.
Speak with your doctor for a complete list of women’s health screening tests. Some women may require more tests than others, while others may need fewer.
It all depends on you as an individual and your medical and genetic health history.
Remember that you are responsible for caring for your body and life as a woman. Don’t let health problems sneak up on you by being underprepared.
To ensure good health, stay on top of your medical care, speak with your doctor, ask questions, and remain in tune with your body.
Elizabeth Redd, the Publisher of this website, grew up in a small town called Newhall, West Virginia, before moving to Washington, DC, in 1964. She worked in Prince George's County Public School System in Maryland for 40 years, opened a wig shop, made clothes, and participated in fashion shows during the '70s and '80s. She worked part-time as a caterer for a couple of years. Hand dancing has been one of her passions. She has also worked in Internet marketing for the last ten years. She also has a passion for learning new things.
She has learned that success is measured not so much by the position one has reached in life but by the obstacles one has overcome while trying to succeed. One thing is for sure: she is living her best life.