Health Guide for 40+ Women

Stay on top of your health with this Health Guide for 40+ Women. It’s crucial to keep track of essential tests and procedures as you age. Take a printed copy along to your next doctor’s appointment to ensure you’re covering all bases.

Breast Cancer Screening:

• Mammogram: This test checks for any signs of breast cancer. Physicians recommends to start at age 40, although for some with specific risk factors, it might begin earlier. Frequency varies, usually every 1 to 2 years depending on individual risk factors.
• Doctor’s Breast Exam: If mammography fails to pick up breast cancer, this exam by your doctor could pick up breast cancers. Therefore, It’s advisable to have it annually, and for women aged 20 to 40, every three years.

Cervical Cancer Screening (Choose one):

• Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam: Doctors perform these tests to detect cervical cancer. They suggest beginning at age 21 and repeating every three years. If your doctor determines you’re at low risk, they might discontinue testing after age 65.
• HPV DNA Test and Pelvic Exam: The virus HPV links to cervical cancer.. Starting at age 30, you may opt for this test along with the Pap smear, repeating every three years for the Pap and every five years for HPV until age 65, or as advised by your doctor.
• Pap Smear Plus HPV DNA Test and Pelvic Exam: Some healthcare professionals recommend this combined approach for more precise detection of cervical cancer. Healthcare Professionals advises starting at age 30, undergoing testing every five years until age 65, or as recommended, with the possibility of discontinuing testing after age 65 if deemed low risk.

Colorectal Cancer Screening:

Your doctor will determine the most suitable screening test for you based on your individual and family medical history. The screening schedule may vary accordingly.

Heart Disease Screening:

• Blood Cholesterol Test: This test assesses the levels of total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and HDL (“good”) cholesterol in your bloodstream. It also typically includes checking triglyceride levels, another type of blood fat. It’s recommended to start at age 20 and repeat every 5 years or as advised by your doctor.
• Blood Pressure Check: This measures your blood pressure, which serves as an indicator of your risk for heart disease. Starting at age 18, it’s advisable to have it checked at least every other year, with more frequent checks if your readings are higher than normal.
• Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: This test measures your blood sugar levels, which can indicate your risk for diabetes. Start at age 45, or earlier if you’re overweight with a BMI greater than 25kg/m2 and have other risk factors such as hypertension or high cholesterol. Typically repeat the test every three years or as recommended by your doctor if your levels are within the normal range.

Bone Health:

• Bone Mineral Density Test: This test evaluates bone strength and assesses the risk of osteoporosis. Start at age 45, or earlier if you’re overweight with a BMI greater than 25kg/m2 and have other risk factors such as hypertension or high cholesterol. Typically repeat the test every three years or as recommended by your doctor if your levels are within the normal range.

Sexual Health:

• If you’re sexually active and at a higher risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), it’s advisable to undergo annual tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Additionally, an HIV test should be taken at least once, with more frequent testing if you’re at increased risk.

Vaccines/Immunizations:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Td/Tdap) Booster: This booster shot restores protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Also, the timing varies, during the third trimester of each pregnancy, healthcare providers generally recommend administering a Tdap booster once, followed by a Td booster every 10 years thereafter.
• Pneumonia Vaccine: This vaccine provides lifelong protection against pneumonia. Typically, healthcare professionals recommend undergoing screening at age 65 or earlier for individuals with risk factors such as heart failure, lung disease, alcoholism, etc. The schedule includes two shots if given at age 65 or later, with potential additional doses for those with certain medical conditions who received it before age 65.
• Influenza Vaccine: Administered yearly, this vaccine offers protection against common strains of the influenza virus and it’s recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.
• Shingrix: This vaccine helps protect against shingles and is recommended at age 50. The dosing schedule involves two doses administered 2-6 months apart.

Other Vital Screenings:

• Skin Exams: Regular skin exams are crucial as most skin cancers are treatable if detected early. Ask your doctor to check your skin whenever you notice any moles or changes in your skin.
• Eye Exams: It’s important to have your eyes examined regularly, typically every 1 to 2 years until age 60. These exams help detect common eye problems like presbyopia, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Also, If you have existing vision issues or risk factors for eye problems, more frequent visits may be necessary.
• Hepatitis C: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hepatitis C testing for everyone aged 18 and older at least once in their lifetime. This test is also advised for pregnant individuals.

Please Note: Screening guidelines can vary. National health organizations and experts generally accept and compile the major screening recommendations provided here. However, it’s essential to consult your doctor for personalized advice and guidance.

Sources:

• American Cancer Society. “American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer.”
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Cervical Cancer Screening,” July 2014.
• CDC: “Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule — United States — 2014.”
• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. “Cervical Cancer: Screening.”
• American Heart Association: “AHA Statistical Update: Executive Summary: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics — Update 2014.”