Annual appointments with your primary care doctor are important. Yearly exams and tests can help find problems before they start, or at early stages when they are easier to treat.
While some health screenings are important no matter what age or gender you are, such as blood pressure and cholesterol tests, for women over 40 there are additional tests specific to their medical needs.
Here is a list of 6 important health screenings for women over 40.
- Clinical Breast Exam – This simple test performed by your family doctor, nurse, or PA may be able to detect lumps or other signs of breast cancer. Breast exams improve the chances of finding breast cancer early, and the earlier cancer is found the easier it is to treat.
- Mammogram – A mammogram is an essential screening test for women over 40. This radiological test is used to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms offer the best chance of finding breast cancer early, sometimes long before a lump it can be felt.
- Bone Density Test – Osteoporosis is an age-related illness that weakens bones, making them more likely to break. Women are at higher risk for osteoporosis than men, and that risk increases with age. A bone density test is a quick and painless scan that measures how strong your bones are.
- Skin Cancer Check – Changes in moles or the appearance of new growths may be signs of skin cancer. During a skin cancer exam a healthcare professional will check your skin for moles, birthmarks, or other pigmented areas that look abnormal in size, color, shape, or texture.
- Colonoscopy – This test is recommended once every ten years for women over the age over 45. Colonoscopies are used to detect colon cancer, polyps, and other growths. For some patients with no family history of colon cancer, their primary doctor may recommend a FIT test instead of a colonoscopy. This FDA approved test can be taken at home, and is used to screen for colon cancer, diverticulitis, colitis, colon polyps, and IBS.
- Pelvic Exam & PAP Smear – A pelvic exam is performed once a year to check the cervix, vulva, and vagina for signs of infection, disease, fibroids, or cysts. Often a PAP smear – cervical cancer screening – will be done at the time of your annual pelvic exam. This test is used to detect any signs of cervical cancer so that your doctor can possibly prevent or treat cancer from developing.
Routine health screenings are important because they can help doctors to detect diseases and health conditions before there are any signs or symptoms. Finding problems early can often be the key to successful treatment of many health conditions.
Health screening recommendations from your primary care provider may vary based on your family medical history, age, and overall health status. Your family doctor will review all your risk factors and recommend the screenings they find appropriate for you.
Whether you have health concerns, or it’s just time for your annual visit, contact the caring professionals at River Bend Medical Associates for an appointment today. At River Bend Medical Associates, we care about women’s health and as part of your medical team, we are here to provide you with the best care in all aspects of your healthcare needs. For more information on our medical practice, or to make an appointment contact River Bend Medical Associates, or call 916-392-4000.
