Dr. Lori Gore-Green explains the 6 most important preventative screening tests, why you need them, and when women are recommended to start getting screened.

1. 6Preventa(ve Screening
That Are
CRITICAL
Women’s Health
Tests
For

2. Blood Pressure Test
Tracking your blood pressure is
critical to maintaining optimal heart
health. Increased blood pressure is
dangerous because the symptoms
are notoriously difficult to determine.
Yet, having increased blood
pressure can dramatically increase
your risk of getting heart disease or
a stroke.
!
Get your blood pressure tested at
least once every two years.
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3. Mammography
Mammograms are a great way to
keep tabs on your breast health.
Your radiologist will be able to
detect tumors and abnormalities,
an important precursor to avoiding
breast cancer.
!
ACOG now recommends that
women get their breast exams
once a year starting at the age of
40.
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4. Lipid Panel
A lipid panel is a complete cholesterol blood test that measures
your LDLs, HDLs, and triglycerides in order to broadly screen for
any abnormalities or risky levels of low density lipoproteins. Also
known as a fasting lipoprotein profile, the lipid panel is an
important part of checking for risks for cardiovascular disease and
other associated diseases.
!
Get your lipid panel every 4-6 years once you are 20 years old. If
your doctor determines you have a higher risk of heart disease,
you may need to get tested more regularly.
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5. Blood Glucose Tes(ng
There are an estimated 86 million
Americans with prediabetes, a
condition that is likely to turn into type 2
diabetes without intervention. Thanks to
blood glucose testing, you can keep
track of your vitals and prevent serious
medical conditions in the future.
!
It is recommended to get a blood
glucose test every three years, starting
around the age of 45.
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6. Colonoscopy
Colorectal cancers are largely preventable, so long as you get regular colonoscopy
checkups. Your doctor will be able to detect small polyps — and get them removed
— before they turn cancerous.
!
Starting at age 50, get a colonoscopy every 10 years or so to keep tabs on your
colorectal health.
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7. Pap and HPV Tests
Cervical cancer is one of the most
preventable forms of cancer today. Most of
the time, cervical cancer can be caught early
thanks to a Pap test (also known as a Pap
smear) and a HPV test.
!
The USPSTF recommends getting your first
cervical cancer screening at age 21 and
getting checked once every three years.
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