A Guide to Preventative Care and Screenings: Women’s Health

We’re zooming around in Teslas, exploring Mars, and living in a globally connected world. Sounds pretty futuristic, doesn’t it? But here’s a surprising reality check: Worldwide, women still face significant medical gender bias. This isn’t fiction – it’s happening right now.

This bias has a chilling consequence: many women worldwide go undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or untreated for severe health conditions.¹

This blog isn’t about pointing fingers. Instead, we’ll give you a potentially life-saving solution: preventive testing for women’s health!

Let’s dive in and explore how these tests can be the key to a healthier future for you and the women in your life.

But first, let’s learn about preventive care!

What Is Preventative Care?

Preventative care is a proactive approach to healthcare that focuses on disease prevention and health maintenance. The vital components are regular check-ups, screenings, and personalized lifestyle advice. This strategy aims to identify and address potential health issues before they develop or catch them early for the best possible treatment outcomes.

Why Is Preventative Care Crucial for Women?

For women, preventative care holds particular importance:

Early Detection Saves Lives: Conditions like breast and cervical cancer have significantly higher treatment success rates when detected early through routine screenings.
Chronic Conditions Under Control: Preventative care empowers women to manage chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes by monitoring risk factors and taking preventative steps.
Maintaining Reproductive Health: Regular gynecological exams, including Pap smears and HPV tests, are essential for maintaining reproductive health and preventing complications.
A Holistic Approach to Well-Being: Preventative care goes beyond physical health. It incorporates mental health screenings, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle modifications for overall well-being.

By embracing preventative care, women can take charge of their health. Early detection, proactive management, and a focus on overall well-being contribute to a healthier and happier life.

In the next section, we’ll learn about the preventive screenings every woman should take.

5 Essential Preventive Screenings for Women

Early detection is critical to managing your health and living a fulfilling life. Here’s a breakdown of some crucial preventative screenings recommended for women, their importance, and how often they should be performed.

1. Breast Cancer Screenings

In 2022, 670,000 women lost their lives to breast cancer², making it the second leading cause of death among women.³

Women with breast cancer develop uncontrollable and abnormal cell growths on their breasts, which often turn into tumors, leading to cancer.² Experts believe that with preventive care and regular screening, breast cancer can be diagnosed and cured to some extent.

i. Mammogram Test

The X-ray screening for breast cancer is called a mammogram test. Women should begin annual mammograms at age 30.⁴ If you have a family history of breast cancer, discuss starting earlier with your doctor.

Moreover, yearly screenings are recommended for women aged above 40. Women 55 and older can switch to mammograms every two years or continue yearly, depending on their health and preferences.⁵^,⁶

ii. Self-Assessment

While formal mammograms are typically recommended starting at age 30, women can take charge of their breast health even before then. The good news? You have an at-home test readily available: the breast self-exam!

Why Self-Assessment Matters, Even Before 30?

While the chances of developing breast cancer are lower in younger women, they’re not nonexistent.⁷ By familiarizing yourself with your breasts through regular self-exams, you’ll be better equipped to identify any changes that may occur down the line. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and self-exams can be a vital first step, even in your 20s.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam:⁸

Visual Examination: Stand in front of a mirror with shoulders straight and arms on hips. Look for any changes in the size, shape, or color of your breasts, including dimpling, puckering, or changes in the direction of your nipples.
Physical Examination: Lie down and use your right hand to feel your left breast in a circular motion. Cover the entire breast tissue, from top to bottom and side to side, using the pads of your three middle fingers. Be sure to check the area under your armpit as well. Repeat on the other side.

Remember, a self-exam is not a substitute for professional screenings like mammograms. However, it still makes a difference!

2. Cervical Cancer Screenings

According to WHO, cervical cancer is among the most successfully treatable forms of cancer when diagnosed early.

Women with HPV (human papillomavirus) have higher chances of developing cervical cancer.⁹ If you’re a sexually active woman over the age of 21, you should get screening for cervical cancer or HPV screenings to diagnose the presence of any unnatural cell growth that might lead to cancer cells. This makes regular cervical cancer screenings an essential part of your healthcare routine.¹⁰

Let’s take a look at the screening tests.

i. Pap Smear

This simple test collects cells from the cervix to be examined for abnormalities. Pap smears are an essential tool for early detection of cervical cancer.¹⁰
Women should begin Pap Smear tests at age 21 and continue every three years until age 29. For those aged 25 to 65, it is recommended to have the test every five years.¹⁰

ii. HPV Test

This test checks explicitly for the presence of high-risk HPV strains.¹⁰
The HPV testing procedure is similar to that of a Pap smear (collecting cells from the cervix). The recommended timeline for the HPV test is much like that of a Pap Smear.¹⁰

3. Bone Density Test

A bone density test is crucial for diagnosing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by fragile bones prone to breaking.¹¹

As women age, particularly post-menopause, the levels of estrogen—a hormone crucial for bone building—decline significantly. This reduction in estrogen leads to a loss in bone density, thereby increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Consequently, older women are at a heightened risk, making bone density tests a critical component of their healthcare regimen to ensure early detection and preventative care.¹²

Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA)

This is the gold standard for bone density testing. DEXA utilizes minimal radiation to precisely measure bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and spine, the areas most susceptible to fracture in osteoporosis.¹³
The procedure includes lying on a padded table while a scanner passes overhead, capturing the necessary data.
Women aged over 65 years are recommended to get regular DEXA scans. ¹³

Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate test based on your needs and risk factors. DEXA is typically the preferred method due to its accuracy, minimal radiation exposure, and focus on the most vulnerable areas.

4. Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Checks

Maintaining cardiovascular health is paramount for women’s well-being, as heart disease remains a leading cause of death.¹⁴ Regular cholesterol and blood pressure checks are essential to preventive healthcare, empowering women to take charge of their heart health.

i. Cholesterol Checks:¹⁵

Frequency: Women are advised to monitor cholesterol levels at age 45; if you receive normal test results, you should get tested every five years. Moreover, if you are someone who has a history of heart disease, obesity, or diabetes. Frequent testing or even early screening tests (at 20 years) may be recommended.
Procedure: A simple blood test measures the levels of total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Importance: Cholesterol monitoring helps identify potential risks for heart disease and stroke at an early stage. Early detection allows timely intervention, including lifestyle modifications or medication, to manage high cholesterol effectively.

ii. Blood Pressure Checks:¹⁶^,¹⁷

Frequency: Blood pressure should be checked at least once every three to five years, starting at 18. Annual checks are recommended if there are risk factors, such as a family history of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, or gestational hypertension.
Procedure: Blood pressure is measured using a cuff around the upper arm, providing readings for both systolic and diastolic pressures.
Importance: High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can significantly increase the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Regular monitoring allows for early detection and management through lifestyle modifications or medication as needed.

Prioritizing regular cholesterol and blood pressure checks empowers women to proactively manage their heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. By adhering to recommended screening schedules, women can take a vital step toward a healthier future.

5. Diabetes Screening

Diabetes screening is a crucial tool for women, enabling early detection and management of a condition that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes: This type typically develops in childhood or young adulthood and is caused by the body’s inability to produce insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels.¹⁸
Type 2 Diabetes: This type often develops later in life and is linked to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production.¹⁹

Given the increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in adults, those with a higher risk should be aware of certain key factors. These factors include:¹⁹

Excess body weight significantly elevates the risk of type 2 diabetes
Having a close relative with diabetes raises your own risk
History of gestational diabetes
Having PCOS
Lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and insulin resistance.

i. Frequency

The recommended screening frequency varies depending on your circumstances:²⁰^,²¹

General: The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for women aged 40 and above, assuming average results. If risk factors are present, screening may begin earlier.
Pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes): Pregnant women typically undergo gestational diabetes screening between 24 and later.
High-Risk Individuals: Women with multiple risk factors (aforementioned) should get screened more frequently, potentially annually.

ii. Screening Tests²⁰

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
Hemoglobin A1c Test
Random Plasma Glucose Test

(Note: Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, and the frequency of screenings may vary depending on your risk factors and health history. Discuss these recommendations with your PCP to determine the most appropriate screening schedule.)

By incorporating these screenings into your routine healthcare plan, you can proactively maintain optimal health, detect potential issues early, and ensure timely intervention when necessary. Remember, prioritizing preventive care empowers you to manage your well-being and navigate your health journey more confidently.

Specialty Primary Care and Wellness: Say “Yes” to Preventative Healthcare!

Early detection and preventive care are essential to effectively managing potential health concerns. Regular screenings are vital to maintaining optimal well-being, but navigating the complexities of preventive care can be daunting.

Specialty Primary Care and Wellness is here to simplify your journey. Our dedicated healthcare professionals are committed to providing comprehensive preventive care services customized to your needs.

We offer a range of screenings, including:

Whether you’ve been putting off appointments or simply looking for a better healthcare experience, Specialty Primary Care and Wellness offers a personalized approach to preventive care.

We encourage you to take charge of your health and schedule an appointment today. Experience the benefits of proactive healthcare and feel the difference!

Let’s create a healthier future!

References:

WHO: https://www.who.int/health-topics/cervical-cancer#tab=tab_1

A Guide to Preventative Care and Screenings: Women’s Health

What Is Preventative Care?

Why Is Preventative Care Crucial for Women?

5 Essential Preventive Screenings for Women