Health screenings to detect diseases and chronic conditions before symptoms occur are critical to your medical care as you age.They may involve physical exams, blood tests, questionnaires, and other tests.
Screenings are proven effective at reducingcancer deathsand preventing the development or progression of other health conditions, likeosteoporosis,diabetes, andhypertension.
This article discusses how women can benefit from regular health screenings.
How to Encourage a Cancer Screening
Why Screenings Are Important As You Age
Regular health screenings improve the chances of finding cancer or other diseases early, when they are easier to treat. This can lead to better health outcomes and quality of life.
Health screenings also encouragelifestyle changes. If you discover that you are at risk of certain diseases, your healthcare provider will discuss steps to take to protect yourself. Lifestyle factors may include a healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoidingtobacco.
Effectiveness of Health ScreeningsHealth screenings are effective at detecting diseases early. This improves treatment options and overall health. It is estimated that if cancer screening guidelines were followed in 100% of cases, it would prevent 2,821 deaths from breast cancer, 6,834 deaths from cervical cancer, and 35,530 from colorectal cancer over a lifetime.
Effectiveness of Health Screenings
Health screenings are effective at detecting diseases early. This improves treatment options and overall health. It is estimated that if cancer screening guidelines were followed in 100% of cases, it would prevent 2,821 deaths from breast cancer, 6,834 deaths from cervical cancer, and 35,530 from colorectal cancer over a lifetime.
Mammograms
Mammogramsuse X-ray pictures to detect or diagnosebreast cancer. They can be used as a screening tool or to diagnose cancer in those with symptoms. Mammograms can detect breast cancer early before a lump can be felt in a physical exam. When breast cancer is caught early, it is easier to treat.
Women ages 45 to 54 should plan to get a mammogram annually. Women 55 and older can get a mammogram every two years. Talk with your healthcare providers to determine if a mammogram is needed sooner.
During amammogram, your healthcare provider will assist you in placing each breast between two X-ray plates. This provides a better picture of the breast and allows less radiation to be used. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant. Your healthcare provider will notify you if any abnormalities were detected.
Additional tests may include another mammogram,breast ultrasound, orbreast tissue biopsy.
Normal and Abnormal Mammogram Images
Mammogram RatesAbout 12% of people who have a mammogram will receive an abnormal result. Of those abnormal results, just 5% of individuals go on to be diagnosed with breast cancer.This is helpful to remember if you are feeling nervous about your mammogram results.
Mammogram Rates
About 12% of people who have a mammogram will receive an abnormal result. Of those abnormal results, just 5% of individuals go on to be diagnosed with breast cancer.This is helpful to remember if you are feeling nervous about your mammogram results.
Colonoscopies
Acolonoscopyis a test used to detectcolorectal cancer. This procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope into the anus to inspect the rectum andcolon. A small camera provides pictures of the tissues, and samples can be taken if biopsies are needed.
Colorectal screenings should begin at age 45 if you are in good health. For most adults, colorectal cancer screening is recommended until age 75. Talk with your healthcare provider about a screening schedule based on your health and risks.
For most healthy adults over 45, colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years. If you are considered high risk for colorectal cancer, earlier or more frequent screenings may be needed. Your provider may recommend a CT colonoscopy orflexible sigmoidoscopy(FSIG) every five years as an alternative. Stool-based tests are also used to detect colorectal cancer.
Gynecological Cancer Screenings
Gynecological cancers include cancers of the:
The only gynecological cancer that can be prevented through screening iscervical cancer.People ages 25 to 65 are advised to get ahuman papillomavirus (HPV)test every five years (even if you have beenvaccinated against HPV) or aPap testevery three years. People 65 and older who have not had an irregular result in the last 25 years may be able to stop regular screenings.
Cervical cancer used to be one of the most common causes of cancer deaths in women in the United States. Since regular screenings started, the U.S. death rate has significantly decreased. It’s important to note that most cases of cervical cancer are found in people who have never had a Pap test or HPV test.
How HPV Is Diagnosed
Cervical cancer is more common in younger people, with a median age of 50. Other types of gynecological cancers are more common in older individuals. The median age for being diagnosed with vaginal or vulvar cancer is 67.
Blood Pressure
It’s estimated that hypertension affects 45% of American adults, and it is the most common chronic condition to be diagnosed during outpatient visits. Hypertension raises the risk of heart disease,stroke, andchronic kidney disease. Fortunately, hypertension can be treated with lifestyle changes andmedication.
Regular blood pressure screenings are recommended for all adults 18 and older.A blood pressure reading can be taken in an outpatient healthcare office.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that the body needs to make hormones. It also helps the body digest fats. Our bodies make all the cholesterol we need, but we also get it from our diet.High cholesterolis dangerous because it causes plaque buildup in the arteries, which raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol does not cause any physical symptoms, so screening is vital.
Cholesterol levels can be checked with a blood test. For most adults, cholesterol screenings should start at 20 and be checked every five years. Your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent screenings if you are considered high-risk.
Many people with high blood pressure (hypertension) or high cholesterol do not know they have it. Both of these factors can raise your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. It’s estimated that 13% of adults in the United States have diabetes, and 34.5% haveprediabetes.Diabetes is a serious condition that raises the risk of kidney failure, blindness, and heart disease.
Type 2 diabetes is treatable; the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat. Most healthy adults do not need regular diabetes screenings. Adults ages 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese may benefit from diabetes screenings.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosisis a chronic condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle. The risk of osteoporosis goes up significantly aftermenopauseand can lead to other health problems and increase hip fracture risk.Fortunately, osteoporosis can be treated, which means you can lower your risk of hip fracture.
Osteoporosis screening is recommended for women 65 and older, as well as postmenopausal women who are younger than 65 with increased risk.
The most common bone measurement test used to screen for osteoporosis is the centraldual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. This test determines your bone mineral density level and should be done every 15 years or more if needed.During a DEXA scan, expect to lie down for a few minutes while the machine scans your body. If your healthcare provider determines that your bone density is too low, medications can help improve your levels.
Mental Health
You will likely be given mental health questionnaires at your healthcare provider’s office. If your scores indicate a risk foranxietyor depression, your healthcare provider will ask you more in-depth questions before determining a treatment plan.
Regular Screening for Depression Can Help, but Treatment Needs to Be Timely
Hearing Loss
Hearing lossis a common problem for older adults. About 16% of American adults have trouble hearing. Hearing loss affects your quality of life and ability to function independently.
For most healthy adults, regular screenings are not needed. If you are concerned about hearing loss, your healthcare provider may recommend a test such as the whispered voice, finger rub, or watch-tick.
Vision
Vision screenings are a regular part of life for school-age children. Most healthy adults do not receive standard vision tests at their healthcare provider’s office. Regulareye examsfrom a specialist are recommended, though.
An ophthalmologist or optometrist can conduct complete eye exams and diagnose vision problems. Talk with your healthcare provider about how often you need eye exams and how to follow up if you notice any changes in your vision.
Skin Checks
Skin cancer is the most common cancer type diagnosed in the United States.Basal cellandsquamous cell carcinomasare the most common types.Melanomais not as common but much more dangerous.
You should preform regular skin self-exams to check for signs of skin cancer, especially those who are at higher risk (people with a personal and/or family history of skin cancer). Your healthcare provider can make individual recommendations as to how often a person needs a skin exam.
If your healthcare provider is concerned about a mole or area of skin, they will take a skin biopsy and send it to the lab to be examined.
Information on Free Skin Cancer Screenings
How to Get Screened
Summary
Health screenings are a proven way to detect many cancers and health conditions before symptoms appear. In general, the earlier a disease is found, the better. Early diagnosis and treatment usually lead to improved outcomes and quality of life. Talk with your healthcare provider about which health screenings are right for you.
A Word From Verywell
24 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Health screenings for women ages 40 to 64.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Get screened.
Sharma KP, Grosse SD, Maciosek MV, et al.Preventing breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer deaths: assessing the impact of increased screening.Prev Chronic Dis. 2020;17:E123. doi:10.5888/pcd17.200039
American Cancer Society.Mammogram basics.
American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society Recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is breast cancer screening?.
Brill JV.Screening for cancer: the economic, medical, and psychosocial issues.Am J Manag Care. 2020;26(14 Suppl):S300-S306. doi:10.37765/ajmc.2020.88534
American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society Guideline for colorectal cancer screening.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gynecologic cancer incidence,United States—2012–2016.
American Cancer Society.The American Cancer Society guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.
U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce.Hypertension in adults: screening.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How and when to have your cholesterol checked.
US Preventive Services Task Force.Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.JAMA. 2021;326(8):736-743. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.12531
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Osteoporosis.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Osteoporosis to prevent fractures: screening.
National Alliance on Mental Health.Mental health screening.
Jin J.Screening for hearing loss in older adults.JAMA. 2021;325(12):1234. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.2513
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening and diagnosis of hearing loss.
MedlinePlus.Vision screening.
MedlinePlus.Skin cancer screening.
Johnson MM, Leachman SA, Aspinwall LG, et al.Skin cancer screening: recommendations for data-driven screening guidelines and a review of the US Preventive Services Task Force controversy.Melanoma Management. 2017;4(1):13-37. doi:10.2217/mmt-2016-0022
Medicare.Preventive & screening services.
Healthcare.gov.Preventive care benefits for adults.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
