Tips on the Most Important Tests for Women
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
has updated its recommendations for women's health
screenings. Here are tips for healthy women age
40-64.
|
Test/Screening
|
Age to Start
|
Frequency
|
|
Colorectal Cancer screening:
Sigmiodoscopy/Colonoscopy
Rectal exam/Stool test
|
50
50
|
Every 5-10 yrs.
Annually
|
|
Skin Cancer screening
|
40
|
Annually
|
|
Cholesterol and Blood Sugar testing
|
45
|
Every 3-5 yrs.
|
|
Mammography*
|
40
|
Every 1-2 yrs.
|
|
Pap test
|
Now
|
Annually
|
|
Tetanus booster
|
Now
|
Every 10 yrs.
|
|
STD and HIV testing
|
Now
|
Discuss with your doctor if these
tests are appropriate.
|
|
Bone Density testing
|
65
|
Speak with your doctor about the
need for this test.**
|
|
* Mammography testing should begin at age 40
every 1-2 years. When you turn 50, you should
have a mammogram each year. For women of all
ages, breast health includes yearly clinical
breast exams and monthly breast self-exams.
** You should consider bone density testing
if you're age 65 or older; have taken Prednisone
for 6 months or more during the past year, had
a recent fracture; were told your bone mass looked
low on an X-ray; are postmenopausal; are not
taking HRT or are at high risk for osteoporosis.
|
