Here at Sun Health, an Arizona nonprofit, we know it can sometimes be difficult to figure out when to schedule that next check-up. From bone density tests to screening mammographies, keeping track of the tests and check-ups women need throughout their lifetime can be a challenging task.
But because regular doctor’s appointments are so essential when it comes to maintaining good health as you get older, it’s important to know just when exactly it’s time to see your doctor. That’s why we created the Sun Health Arizona nonprofit Community Education series which offers weekly seminars on an assortment of healthy living topics, such as the Women’s Breast Health seminar hosted by Dr. Olena Weaver and Dr. Steven Charney.
Below is a brief list of some of the larger medical milestone procedures in every woman’s life.
Beginning at age 20: Women should begin to have regular breast and pelvic exams performed by a doctor every two to three years. Women in their twenties should also begin preliminary blood cholesterol and blood pressure tests to ensure that everything is progressing normally.
Beginning at age 30: It’s important for women to undergo a pelvic exam that tests for cervical cancer, or HPV. This test should be done about every five years, along with the regular procedures mentioned above.
Beginning at age 40: Women should begin to schedule regular mammograms. Because catching a problem in its early stages greatly decreases the chances of additional health complications, it’s important to have a mammogram every one to two years. As Dr. Weaver and Dr. Charney will tell you at the Women’s Breast Health seminar, early detection and awareness is key to remaining healthy.
Beginning at age 50: It’s time to schedule a colonoscopy, the most accurate screening available for colon cancer detection.
Beginning at age 60+: Women should schedule a bone mineral density test, intended to gauge bone strength and alert doctors to any risk of osteoporosis. Women over 60 should see their doctor and undergo screenings regularly, or at their doctor’s discretion.
Whether you have a specific question you’d like to ask or a specific topic you’d like to hear covered, the Community Education series offered by Arizona nonprofits such as Sun Health will help give you the tools you need to live a healthy life.
