Women Over 40: Don't Delay These Vital Health Screenings
It's never too late to pay attention to your health, especially if you're a woman over 40. It's critical as you get older to ensure you're getting the screenings and testing you need to be healthy. Don't wait any longer to get these health checks — they could save your life! We'll go over the importance of health screenings for women over 40 in this blog post, as well as a list of the most crucial ones.
Blood Pressure Screening
Although it is often seen as a “man’s disease,” high blood pressure can be just as dangerous for women. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, about 1 in 3 adult women have high blood pressure. Women with high blood pressure are at increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. And yet, only about half of women aged 40 and over have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis. There are a number of reasons why women might put off screening, including busy schedules and lack of awareness about the risks. But whatever the reason, it’s important to get screened. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
Skin Cancer Screening
Early cancer detection is key to successful treatment. Older women are at a higher risk for developing skin cancer because of exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The risk increases with age. Women over 40 should have a skin cancer screening every year.Screening for skin cancer includes a visual exam by a dermatologist and a comprehensive skin exam. During a visual exam, the dermatologist will look for any changes in your skin, including new growths, changes in existing moles, and changes in the texture of your skin. A comprehensive skin exam will also check for lymph nodes that may be enlarged or abnormal.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Women over the age of 40 should not put off cervical cancer screening. There are several methods of screening for cervical cancer, including the Pap test and the HPV test. The Pap test looks for abnormal cells on the cervix, which may be early signs of cancer. The HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus, which is a common infection that can lead to cervical cancer. However, women with a history of cervical cancer or precancerous lesions should be screened more frequently. Cervical cancer is a highly curable disease when caught early, so it is important for women over 40 to get screened regularly.
Thyroid Test
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located in the lower front of the neck. This gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. A thyroid test measures the level of these hormones in the blood. A high level of thyroid hormone can lead to hyperthyroidism, while a low level can lead to hypothyroidism. Both of these conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and mood swings. If left untreated, they can also lead to more serious problems such as heart disease and infertility.
Cholesterol Check
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that can build up in the arteries, leading to heart disease and stroke. The task force recommends that all women over 40 get a “lipid panel” test, which measures total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Women with risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should get tested more often.
Mammogram
Women over the age of 40 should not put off getting a mammogram, as it is the best way to detect breast cancer early. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, and 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. A mammogram can help to detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.
