This article discusses how women can benefit from regular health screenings.
This can lead to better health outcomes and quality of life.
Health screenings also encouragelifestyle changes.
Lifestyle factors may include a healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoidingtobacco.
Effectiveness of Health Screenings
Health screenings are effective at detecting diseases early.
This improves treatment options and overall health.
Mammograms
Mammogramsuse X-ray pictures to detect or diagnosebreast cancer.
They can be used as a screening tool or to diagnose cancer in those with symptoms.
Mammograms can detect breast cancer early before a lump can be felt in a physical exam.
When breast cancer is caught early, it is easier to treat.
Women ages 45 to 54 should plan to get a mammogram annually.
Women 55 and older can get a mammogram every two years.
Talk with your healthcare providers to determine if a mammogram is needed sooner.
During amammogram, your healthcare provider will assist you in placing each breast between two X-ray plates.
This provides a better picture of the breast and allows less radiation to be used.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant.
Your healthcare provider will notify you if any abnormalities were detected.
Additional tests may include another mammogram,breast ultrasound, orbreast tissue biopsy.
Mammogram Rates
About 12% of people who have a mammogram will receive an abnormal result.
Colonoscopies
Acolonoscopyis a test used to detectcolorectal cancer.
A small camera provides pictures of the tissues, and samples can be taken if biopsies are needed.
Colorectal screenings should begin at age 45 if you are in good health.
For most adults, colorectal cancer screening is recommended until age 75.
Talk with your healthcare provider about a screening schedule based on your health and risks.
For most healthy adults over 45, colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years.
If you are considered high risk for colorectal cancer, earlier or more frequent screenings may be needed.
Your provider may recommend a CT colonoscopy orflexible sigmoidoscopy(FSIG) every five years as an alternative.
Stool-based tests are also used to detect colorectal cancer.
Since regular screenings started, the U.S. death rate has significantly decreased.
Cervical cancer is more common in younger people, with a median age of 50.
Other types of gynecological cancers are more common in older individuals.
The median age for being diagnosed with vaginal or vulvar cancer is 67.
Hypertension raises the risk of heart disease,stroke, andchronic kidney disease.
Fortunately, hypertension can be treated with lifestyle changes andmedication.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that the body needs to make hormones.
It also helps the body digest fats.
High cholesterol does not cause any physical symptoms, so screening is vital.
Cholesterol levels can be checked with a blood test.
For most adults, cholesterol screenings should start at 20 and be checked every five years.
Your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent screenings if you are considered high-risk.
Many people with high blood pressure (hypertension) or high cholesterol do not know they have it.
Both of these factors can raise your risk of cardiovascular disease.
throw in 2 diabetes is treatable; the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat.
Most healthy adults do not need regular diabetes screenings.
Adults ages 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese may benefit from diabetes screenings.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosisis a chronic condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle.
If your healthcare provider determines that your bone density is too low, medications can help improve your levels.
Mental Health
Mental healthscreenings are becoming a regular part of preventive care.
Early identification of mental health conditions leads to better outcomes.
About 50% of mental health screenings start at 14, and 75% begin by age 24.
You will likely be given mental health questionnaires at your healthcare providers office.
Hearing Loss
Hearing lossis a common problem for older adults.
About 16% of American adults have trouble hearing.
Hearing loss affects your quality of life and ability to function independently.
For most healthy adults, regular screenings are not needed.
Vision
Vision screenings are a regular part of life for school-age children.
Most healthy adults do not receive standard vision tests at their healthcare providers office.
Regulareye examsfrom a specialist are recommended, though.
An ophthalmologist or optometrist can conduct complete eye exams and diagnose vision problems.
Skin Checks
A skin cancer screening involves a visual exam by you or a healthcare provider.
The goal is to inspect anymoles, birthmarks, sores, or areas ofdiscoloration.
Your healthcare provider can make individual recommendations as to how often a person needs a skin exam.
Talk with your healthcare provider about which screenings are most important for you and go from there.
Summary
Health screenings are a proven way to detect many cancers and health conditions before symptoms appear.
In general, the earlier a disease is found, the better.
Early diagnosis and treatment usually lead to improved outcomes and quality of life.
Talk with your healthcare provider about which health screenings are right for you.
A Word From Verywell
Health screenings are quick, simple, and usually free of cost.
However, they are not always stress-free.
Many of us feel overwhelmed and anxious while waiting for test results.
Its natural to want to put off certain screenings from time to time.
Remember, screenings can improve your health by finding problems early.
Once you schedule and attend your yearly health screenings, youll likely feel a sense of relief.
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