Five medical tests women should take
Ladies, we usually take care of everyone else in the family but ourselves. It wouldn’t hurt to have some “Me Time” and start looking after ourselves too, especially when it comes to our health. I usually put off going to the doctor for some much-needed tests and I know a lot of other women are guilty of the same. So just to serve as a reminder (if not a wake-up call), I compiled this list of medical tests that could be crucial to saving women’s lives. Have you taken these tests lately?
1. Pap Smear - Recommended for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Who needs this test? Women ages 21 years old and older who are sexually active. As written byrealsimple.com, “Beginning at least by age 21, If you’ve had several normal Paps in a row and a negative human-papillomavirus (HPV) test, get tested every other year. If you’re a smoker, have multiple sexual partners, began having intercourse at a young age, are HIV-positive, or have a sexually transmitted disease, have a Pap annually. If you are 30 or older, ask your doctor to test for HPV.”
2. Mammogram - Necessary for early detection of breast cancer. Breast cancer is known to be the most common cancer in women. Who needs this test? Women ages 40 and older need to have a mammogram every 1-2 years. Regular breast self-examination and physician examination are also advisable for women starting at 21 years old.
3. Bone Density Test - Detects osteoporosis which is common among older women. Who needs this test? Postmenopausal women under 65 and older.
4. Colonoscopy - For early detection of colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer or large bowel cancer) Wikipedia quoted an American Cancer Society study that “Women who smoked were more than 40% more likely to die from colorectal cancer than women who never had smoked.”
5. Mole screening - To detect skin cancer the earliest time possible. According to American Cancer Society, melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer) is the second most common cancer among women in their 30’s. Advisable age to take this test: By age 30.
It is best to see our doctors for more information on these tests. We don’t need to feel any symptoms first before we go rushing to the doctor. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. These tests may take a certain chunk off our family budget but what the heck, the reward is priceless - our own lives.
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June 26th, 2009 6:55 pm
Yes these are all great for women, but I think we should remember the heart too. A yearly EKG, and a complete cholesterol. Heart disease is quickly becoming a top killer of women, especially after menopause. Great post, very informative.
June 26th, 2009 7:00 pm
thanks, melissa, for the additional input on EKG.
June 27th, 2009 2:47 am
Like many women, I have to admit that I’m guilty of making sure everyone goes to the doctor in my house, except me. Thanks for the reminder.
June 27th, 2009 4:14 am
Ooops. I only do no. 1. Thanks for the info and awareness.
June 27th, 2009 5:28 am
I have done all except for colonoscopy. I wasn’t gonna do those tests until I went to the fertility specialists who were horrified when they learned I haven’t done any of those tests.
June 27th, 2009 11:06 pm
This is very informative post.