Health Checklist for Women Over 40
Print out this list to keep track of tests and procedures you need after the age of 40 and take it with you to your next doctor's appointment
Breast Cancer Screening
| Mammogram |
Checks for breast cancer |
40 |
Annually |
|
| Doctor's breast exam |
May detect breast cancers missed by
mammography |
20 |
Annually; Every three years for women 20-40 |
|
|
Cervical cancer screening (one of the following):
| Pap smear and pelvic exam |
Checks for cervical cancer |
Once a woman is sexually active or at age 18 |
Annually, then every 2-3 years after three normal
annual Pap smears in a row |
|
| Pap smear plus HPV DNA test and pelvic exam |
Alternative, some experts recommend as more
precise means to check for cervical cancer |
30 |
Every three years |
|
|
Colorectal cancer
screening:
| Colonoscopy |
Outpatient procedure in which a doctor inserts a
long, flexible instrument - about 1/2 inch in diameter - into the rectum to
view the rectum and entire colon. Many experts say colonoscopy is the most
accurate colon cancer screening |
50 |
Every 10 years, more often for those with a family
history or history of colon polyps. |
|
| Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) |
Stool is tested for blood - a possible sign of
colorectal cancer |
50 |
Annually (in combination with flexible
sigmoidoscopy) |
|
|
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
|
Outpatient procedure for examining the lower
portion of the large intestine, called the sigmoid colon. A special instrument
with a tiny camera attached is used. |
50 |
Every 5 years (in combination with FOBT) |
|
| Air-contrast barium enema |
Barium is given as an enema, and then air is blown
in to make the barium spread over the lining of the colon, producing an outline
of the colon on X-ray. This helps to reveal any irregularities in the lining,
such as a polyp. |
50 |
Every 5 years |
|
| *Your doctor will pick which screening
test is best for you. |
|
Skin cancer screening:
| Total body skin examination |
Doctor examines your skin to detect precancerous
and cancerous skin growths |
50, or earlier for people with a family or
personal history of skin cancer or with excessive sun exposure |
Annually |
|
|
Heart disease screening:
| Blood cholesterol test |
Measures amount of total cholesterol,
"bad" LDL, and "good" HDL
cholesterol circulating in the blood. Levels of triglycerides, another
blood fat, are also usually checked. |
20 |
Every 5 years, or at your doctor's discretion |
|
| Blood pressure check |
Measures blood pressure, an indicator of heart
risk |
18 |
At least every other year, more often if above
normal |
|
| Fasting plasma glucose |
Measures blood sugar, an indicator of diabetes
risk |
45 |
Every three years, or at your doctor's
discretion |
|
|
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