Medical Exams Routinely Advised For Women

Mammograms

Physicians recommend that every woman above the age of forty should undergo mammography every one or two years until she is fifty. Thereafter, this should be an annual examination. In case there is a history of breast cancer in the family, then the woman should get her first mammogram ten years before the age of her relative when the condition was diagnosed.

It is imperative for women to understand the need of mammograms. Breast cancer is a disease with a high mortality rate. However, if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, say in stage I, then the chances of cure are as high as 97%.

The Kate Couric test for diagnosing colon cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, almost 75,000 American women were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2007. It is the third commonest cancer in the U.S. affecting both men and women. So, one should not dismiss it as a man’s disease. Experts advise that all women who are at risk of developing colon cancer should undergo a colonoscopy examination every 10 years, beginning at the age of 50 years. In case of a positive family history, the first colonoscopy examination should be done 10 years before the age when the relative was diagnosed with the cancer.

Colonoscopy allows the specialist to examine the wall of the colon closely using a camera, so that any abnormal growth can be identified at the earliest. If need be, tissue for biopsy can be taken in the same setting.

Skin Examination

After the age of 18, every woman should be examined by a dermatologist annually. This is necessary to identify any new mole or any abnormal growth of a pre-existing mole. The skin is also examined for any unusual red or brown spots. A thorough dermal examination is essential to identify development of melanoma in its early stage. Although melanoma accounts for just 4% of all skin cancers, the mortality rate attached to it is very high. Therefore, women should be aware that any abnormal growth of moles can be a sign of something serious, and should bring it to the notice of their doctor immediately.

Bone density test

Women are known to suffer from rapid bone loss after attaining menopause because of plummeting levels of estrogen hormone. This may lead to osteoporosis. According to the statistics given by the National Osteoporosis Foundation, almost 1.5 million men and women suffer from osteoporosis related fractures every year. Therefore, all women beyond the age of 60 or women after undergoing hysterectomy should undergo tests for bone density annually. Early diagnosis of osteoporosis can lead to early start of treatment which can reverse to some extent the bone loss that has already occurred.

Thyroid test

Women need to be tested for both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. While the former is marked by unexplained weight loss, rapid pulse and insomnia, the latter is marked by weight gain, lethargy and dry skin. According to the American Thyroid Association, every woman should get tested for thyroid hormones at an interval of five years, beginning from the age of 35. However, in case of presence of symptoms, regular monitoring of thyroid hormones is started much earlier.