Health Screening Tests Women Need

When women think of adopting good health habits, they likely think of things like getting regular exercise and eating a heart-healthy diet. But just as important, are the preventive health screenings coordinated by your primary care provider. Many women choose a provider in internal medicine, a medical specialty focused on the care of adults age 18 and older. 

Below are some essential screenings health-care providers recommend for most women. These screenings can detect potential health issues like cancer, diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis, early—when easier to treat.

Blood Pressure and Heart Disease Risk

The American Heart Association recommends you get screened for high blood pressure, or hypertension, checked every two years, beginning at age 20. High blood pressure increases your risk for heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Women 40 years of age and older, Black women, and women with risks such as obesity and diabetes should be screened annually.

Here is what the blood pressure numbers mean:

• Normal: Less than 120 mmHG (systolic)/80 mmHG (diastolic)
• Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 mmHG and diastolic less than 80 mmHG
• Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic between 130-139 mmHG or diastolic between 80-89 mmHG

Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease

High cholesterol levels also put you at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. Most adults should have the simple blood test used to assess cholesterol every 4 to 6 years. According to the CDC, optimal cholesterol levels are:

• Total cholesterol: About 150 mg/dL
• LDL (“bad”) cholesterol: About 100 mg/dL
• HDL (“good”) cholesterol: Greater than or equal to 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women
• Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL

Fasting Glucose Test for Diabetes

A fasting glucose test is used determine if you have diabetes or prediabetes. This blood test checks your blood sugar levels after not having anything to eat or drink (except water) for at least 8 hours before the test. Here is a look at the numbers:

• Normal: A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or lower
• Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL 
• Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher 

Pap Test for Cervical Cancer

A Pap (Papanicolaou) test, also called a Pap smear, screens for cervical cancer. The procedure involves collecting cells from your cervix. From ages 21 to 30, women whose Pap tests are normal should be screened every three years. From ages 30-65, a Pap, combined with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) screening is recommended every 5 years. Women 65 years or older should talk to their health-care provider about whether they need to continue cervical cancer screening.

Mammography to Detect Breast Cancer

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends women at average risk for breast cancer begin having yearly mammograms by age 45, or as early as age 40 if they choose. At age 55, the ACS says women should have the choice of switching to screening every two years or continuing yearly mammograms. Women with a family history of breast cancer should talk to their provider about when to start mammography.

Screening for Colon Cancer

The American Cancer Society recommends people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. This can be done with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam) with either a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

Bone Density Test for Osteoporosis

Starting at age 65, women should have a bone density test called a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA/DEXA) scan of the hip, spine, and wrist to assess their risk for osteoporosis, the bone-thinning disease that can lead to fractures. Women with risk factors for osteoporosis, such as fractures or low body weight, should be screened earlier.

Every Woman’s Needs Are Different

Because every woman’s health picture is different, the screenings you need will depend on your age, family history, and your own health history. Talk with your provider about which screening tests are appropriate for you. The results will allow you take action to help assure your best possible health.