By Karen Collins, CNM, WHNP, FNP and Vanessa Cameron, DO
Prevention and wellness initiatives, such as getting regular check-ups, mammograms, pap smears, colonoscopy, vaccines, and other health maintenance services are a focus of concern for many women. Getting the right advice about preventative care can be difficult. This article is meant to help you figure out some of the routine preventative care tests or screenings you should have and at what age. In general, women should see their women’s health provider annually.
Keep in mind the screening recommendations below are generalized. Your women’s health provider with help you individualize your health maintenance plan according to your health and your family history.
Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear): Women should start having pap smear screenings at age 21, and then typically every one to three years depending on your personal risk factors through age 65. If you are aged 30 to 65, your provider will also screen for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) routinely with your pap smear every five years.
Mammograms: In general, women should begin getting annual mammograms at age 40. However, if you have a first degree relative such as a mother or sister who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you should start getting mammograms 10 years before the age of the relatives diagnoses. In other words, if your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 42, you should begin mammogram screening at age 37, five years before the age of your mother’s breast cancer diagnoses. Sometimes genetic screening (blood work) can be done to help determine your risk as well.
Colonoscopy: For general screening, women should begin having colonoscopies at age 50. General colorectal screening should continue every three to ten years depending on the results of your screening tests through age 75. Women with a first-degree relative diagnosed with colon cancer should start screening ten years younger than the age of the affected relative at diagnoses. Sometimes genetic screening (blood work) can be done to help determine your risk as well.
Bone Density scan: In general, women should start having bone density scans at age 65. Some women are at higher risk for osteoporosis, such as women over age of 50 with history of a bone fracture that occurred after age 50. Other risk factors that can increase your chance of osteoporosis are certain ethnicities, some chronic diseases, poor nutrition, and some lifestyle choices. If you are taking bone density medication, bone density testing should be repeated every one to two years. If your bone density test is normal, it may be safe to wait 10 or more years to have another test depending on your personal background.
Routine laboratory testing: Routine laboratory screening can help identify disease risks early. Tests such as thyroid screening, a cholesterol panel, and diabetes screening should be discussed.
Vaccines: As adults, we don’t always think about the need for vaccinations. The truth is, there are some very important vaccinations to consider. In particular, the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), Pertussis (whooping cough), Varicella (chicken pox), Meningococcal (meningitis), Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, and Flu vaccine should be discussed. Women aged 65 and older should consider the pneumonia vaccine. Women with certain risk factors such as diabetes, asthma, or other chronic diseases, or who are smokers should consider getting the pneumonia vaccine before age 65. The Zostavax (Shingles) vaccine is another vaccine that should be considered after age 60.
It is also important to keep in mind that, eating nutritious foods, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing risky behaviors can help prevent many chronic diseases and illnesses.
Let us help you take control of your health. Call us today to set up your annual exam.
Teverbaugh, Croland & Mueller Ob/Gyn & Associates, S.C. is devoted to the care of women and finding the best solution to your health care needs. For more information, please visit www.obgynofpeoria.com or call 309-692-2025.