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As you navigate your 40s and 50s, regular health screenings become increasingly crucial for maintaining your overall well-being. Even if you feel fine, these checkups are essential for detecting potential issues early, managing risk factors, and ensuring you stay on top of your health. Women’s health expert and board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Beverly Joyce outlines a guide to the key screenings and exams you should consider during these transformative years.
Why It Matters: High blood pressure often shows no symptoms, but it can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke if left unchecked. Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women in the U.S., so keeping on top of your blood pressure, really matters!
What to Do: Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year. If you have risk factors such as diabetes, heart disease, or a family history of hypertension, your provider might recommend more frequent monitoring.
Why It Matters: Early detection of breast cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
What to Do: Mammograms are recommended starting at age 40, with screenings every 1 to 2 years. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors (such as inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), discuss additional testing options with your provider. If you have dense breast tissue, you may want to talk to your provider about adding ultrasound. Dense breasts are made up of more glandular tissue than fatty tissue, which can make it harder to see cancer on a mammogram.
Why It Matters: Cervical cancer screening helps detect cancer and pre-cancer early, often before symptoms appear.
What to Do: Women aged 30 to 65 should have a Pap test every 3 years or an HPV test every 5 years. If you’ve had a hysterectomy and have no history of cervical cancer, you may not need further screenings, but always consult with your provider.
Why It Matters: High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. As women enter menopause, there is a sharp increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol—by an average of 10-15% [1] High cholesterol is a leading risk factor for heart disease, which kills more women in the U.S. than any other cause, including all forms of cancer combined.
What to Do: Begin screening at age 45 if you have no risk factors, or at age 20 if you have known coronary heart disease risk factors. Regular screening should occur every 5 years if your levels are normal, or more frequently if needed based on lifestyle changes or existing conditions.
Why It Matters: Colorectal cancer screening can detect precancerous polyps and early cancer when it is most treatable. In fact, colon and rectal cancer rates are increasing significantly in younger adults.[2] It’s important to be aware of any early signs such as rectal bleeding, unusual stools, changes in bowel movements (loose stool or constipation), and low energy or tiredness.
What to Do: Start screening at age 45. Options include stool-based tests (e.g., FOBT, FIT, and Cologuard), flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography, or colonoscopy. The choice of test may depend on your health history and risk factors.
Why It Matters: Early detection of diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of the disease. Some of the early signs that you should be aware of and discuss with your provider are increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. A fasting blood sugar test or HbA1c test can help identify if you’re at risk.
What to Do: Begin screening at age 35, especially if you are overweight or have other risk factors. Repeat screenings every 3 years, or as needed.
Why It Matters: Eye exams can detect vision problems and conditions like glaucoma early. Some of the early signs of glaucoma include: vision changes like blind spots or blurred vision, eye pain, halos, nausea, and tenderness around the eye.
What to Do: Have an eye exam every 2 to 4 years from ages 40 to 54 and every 1 to 3 years from ages 55 to 64. More frequent exams may be necessary if you have vision problems or diabetes.
Why It Matters: Early detection of lung cancer can improve treatment outcomes. Lung cancer is the #1 cause of cancer deaths in women. In fact, more women die of lung cancer each year than from breast, ovarian and uterine cancers combined. Non-smoking women are three times more likely to get lung cancer than non-smoking men. Not cool at all! [3]
What to Do: If you are aged 50 to 80, have a smoking history, and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, consider annual screening with low-dose CT.
Why It Matters: Bone density drops significantly after menopause. Osteoporosis can lead to fractures and other serious issues. Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about eight million or 80% are women. Approximately 50% of women over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis. A woman’s risk of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. [4]
What to Do: Discuss screening with your provider if you have risk factors such as smoking, long-term steroid use, low body weight, or a family history of osteoporosis.
Why It Matters: Skin exams help detect skin cancer early.
What to Do: If you have a history of skin cancer or are at high risk, your provider may conduct a skin exam. Self-exams are also encouraged, though not universally recommended.
Maintaining regular health screenings and attending your annual well-check exam are proactive ways to manage your health and well-being as you age. By keeping up with these exams, you can stay ahead of potential issues and ensure a healthier future. Reach out to your healthcare provider to tailor these recommendations to your personal health needs.
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