Make women’s health screenings a priority with start of 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic unfortunately caused many people to put off visits to their providers and postpone routine health screenings.  If you’re a woman who hasn’t kept up with routine screenings, due to the pandemic or other reasons, you can still get back on track.  Now, as the New Year gets under way, is a good time to schedule those appointments.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, so why not use this national observance as a way to schedule several screenings that can help you protect your health?  Annual gynecologic wellness examinations are among the most important ways women can receive education and preventive measures tailored specifically to their needs.  The types and frequency of recommended screenings vary, depending on a woman’s age, family history and personal risk factors.

Cervical cancer screening consists of a Pap smear every three years for women 20 to 29.  Women 30 through 65 should have a Pap test and a human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years or a Pap test alone every three years. It’s also important to schedule an annual exam with your gynecologist.  

Other tests recommended by UHS health professionals include:

Mammogram - The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women ages 45 to 54.  If you prefer, you may begin yearly mammograms at age 40.  Women who are 55 or older should have mammograms every two years if prior screenings have been normal, or may continue yearly screenings.

Colonoscopy - If you’re 45 or older, it’s time to schedule your first colonoscopy, a screening test that detects colon cancer. Colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years if your first colonoscopy is normal. If anything is found during this screening, you may be told to repeat the test more often.

Bone density test - This test helps identify osteoporosis, an age-related disease that weakens the bones, making them more likely to break. A bone density test is usually recommended for women at age 65.

Blood pressure - High blood pressure (hypertension) increases your risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends:  If you’re 18 to 40, get a blood pressure screening every three to five years, as long as your blood pressure is normal.  After age 40, schedule yearly screenings.

Blood test - Heart disease, anemia, diabetes and other serious conditions may be detected with a yearly blood test.  Knowing basic information about your cholesterol, blood sugar, iron and other readings helps keep you healthier.

Skin cancer - Changes in moles or the appearance of new growths may be signs of skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends you get a full body screening once per year.

Eye exam - According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you should get an eye exam:  At least once in your 20s and twice in your 30s, plus when you turn 40 and every year or two if you’re 65 or older.  

Remember, your women’s healthcare provider is trained to care for women from adolescence through older age, and understands a woman’s changing health needs.