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Saturday, September 15, 2007

What are the most important medical screening tests for women and at what age should they have them?

While not all medical organizations agree on what you need and when, here’s what the National Women’s Health Information Center suggests:
  • Thyroid test – every five years beginning at age 35
  • Blood pressure test – Every two years beginning at age 18
  • Cholesterol test – Start at age 20 and let your doctor suggest frequency.
  • Bone mineral density test – Have baseline test around age 40 and let your doctor decide on frequency.
  • Blood sugar test (diabetes) – Every three years beginning at age 45
  • Mammogram – Beginning at age 40, every one to two years
  • Pap test/Pelvic exam – Every one to three years if you are sexually active, up to age 65. After age 65 let your doctor decide on frequency.
  • Colorectal health testing – Yearly flexible sigmoidoscopy with fecal occult blood test beginning at age 50. After that every five years if not having a colonoscopy.
  • Colonoscopy – Every 10 years beginning at age 50.

Talk to your doctor about a screening plan that is best for you.

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