All About Women’s Health Screenings
Two of the most important keys to good health are prevention and early detection.
We asked Dr. Arnold Cohen, former Chairman and Program Director of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Einstein Healthcare Network, to share his advice regarding regular health screenings for women.
He spelled out his answer in eight points every woman should know.
Read on to find out what he told us.
EIGHT THINGS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW
- Women over 21 should have a yearly pelvic exam, and a Pap smear every three years.
- Women over the age of 30 who have had normal Pap smears between the ages of 21 and 30, should have a Pap smear and an HPV test (to detect the virus that causes cervical cancer) every five years.
- Talk with your gynecologist about when you should be screened for HIV, based on your individual risk factors.
- You should have a clinical breast examination each time you visit your gynecologist for your regular exam.
- Beginning at age 50, get a mammogram every one to two years, although many professional medical organizations recommend screenings begin at age 40.
- If you feel a lump or abnormality in your breast, call your gynecologist.
- Postmenopausal women ages 50 and older should take calcium and vitamin D for bone health. If you do not have any risk factors, you should have a bone mineral density test at age 65.
- Wome ages 65 and older should have thyroid-stimulating hormone test every three to five years to determine if your thyroid might be under or over active.
GET STARTED RIGHT AWAY
- Make a breast health appointment here.
- Make an ob/gyn appointment here.
- Read related: Pap Smears: Why and How Often
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