A Woman's Guide to Health Checkups
Blood Pressure
First Test, Age 10 or Younger; Yearly, Age 18+
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a blood pressure read-ing of 140/90 or higher indicates high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney problems. Women are particularly at risk if they are overweight by 20 pounds or more, have a history of high blood pressure in their family, are pregnant or have reached menopause.
Bone Density Exam
Baseline Bone Density Exam at the Onset of Menopause; Every Two Years if You Have Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the weakening of bone structure in the body. A bone density exam can pinpoint the risk of fractures and the rate of bone-mass loss.
Breast Self Examination (BSE)
Monthly, Age 12+
Women should check their breasts monthly for differences that don't feel normal to them. Any significant changes should be reported to a physician. BSE should be taught during adolescence and continued throughout the woman's life.
Cholesterol Test
Baseline Total Cholesterol Measurement, Age 18-20; Every Five Years After First Test, Age 18+
Women should have a blood test that measures both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — fatty substances found in the blood. Left untreated, high cholesterol levels may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Physicians may recommend exercise or a change in diet to lower cholesterol. In addition, cholesterol-lowering medications may be necessary.
Clinical Breast Exam
Every Three Years, Age 20-39; Every Year, Age 40+
This is a manual breast exam by a healthcare provider, which is used to detect cancer. This exam checks for abnormalities such as discoloration, lumps, swelling or nipple discharge.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Yearly, Age 50+
Detection of this form of cancer is done through a fecal occult blood test (which checks for blood in the stool), sigmoidoscopy (examination of the lower colon and rectum), colonoscopy (examination of the colon and rectum) or virtual colonoscopy (CT scan of colon). The exams are designed to locate benign polyps that could develop into cancerous tumors.
Mammogram
Baseline Mammogram, Age 40; Every Year, Age 41+
An X-ray evaluation of breast tissue, mammograms can identify cancer early, even before symptoms occur. Mammograms locate possibly cancerous tumors or lesions that are not detectable by BSE or a Clinical Breast Exam.
Pap Smear
Yearly, Age 18+
A Pap smear can detect cervical cancer in its early stages. With a Pap smear, cells from the cervix are examined for infections, viruses or pre-cancerous changes.
Women who are at increased risk for breast cancer, cervical cancer, cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis may need to have these exams earlier or more frequently. Please consult your physician for more information, or contact the Memorial Healthcare System Physican Referral Service at (800) 944-DOCS to find a physician in your area.