Regular health screenings are especially important for women for their overall well-being and to diagnose any disease early on. Breast, ovarian and cervical cancers, for instance, are quite aggressive and common, and they need timely diagnosis for which routine screenings are super important. In addition to that, tests like blood pressure monitoring, bone density test in perimenopausal women, anemia testing in all age groups, cholesterol checks, and diabetes screenings can help women manage and mitigate risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions.
But Why Is It Particularly Important For Women?
According to Dr Rituja Ugalmugle, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central, since women face ‘unique health challenges’ like reproductive health issues, hormonal fluctuations, and pregnancy-related complications, regular tests are needed for them to manage these concerns effectively. “Besides that, women often prioritise the health of their families over their own. Regular screenings serve as a reminder for them to prioritise their own health and self-care,” said Dr Ugalmugle.
Important Tests That Women Must Get Done
According to Dr Ravi Teja Juloori, lab head at TRUSTlab Diagnostics, the following nine health tests are super important for women; read on.
Blood Pressure Screening
Vital to detect hypertension early, preventing complications like heart disease and stroke. By monitoring blood pressure quarterly, women can avoid serious cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure, if left untreated, can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs.
Blood Glucose Test
Quarterly blood glucose tests help prevent diabetes-related complications like nerve damage, eye, kidney disease, and heart problems. Early detection can prevent conditions like type 2 diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Regular monitoring allows for early intervention and lifestyle adjustments to prevent these complications and maintain overall health.
Cholesterol Test
Regular cholesterol screenings can prevent heart disease, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes significantly. By monitoring cholesterol levels quarterly, women can avoid atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease. Early detection and management of high cholesterol is essential for preventing heart disease and maintaining heart health.
Pap Smear
Pap smears help detect cervical cancer early. Regular screenings can help women avoid invasive cervical cancer, HPV-related cancers, and fertility issues due to cancer treatment. Cervical cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, so Pap smear is needed for early detection and treatment. Detecting abnormal cervical cells early can prevent the progression to cancer and improve long-term outcomes for women.
Mammogram
Mammograms enable early detection of breast cancer, preventing metastasis and improving survival rates. By detecting breast cancer early, women can avoid aggressive treatments, mastectomy, and chemotherapy. Mammograms can detect tumors or calcifications that may indicate cancerous or precancerous changes in the breast tissue.
Bone Density Test
Bone density scan helps prevent osteoporosis-related fractures, reducing the risk of hip fractures, vertebral fractures, and wrist fractures. By monitoring bone density, women can avoid debilitating fractures. Osteoporosis is characterised by low bone density and increased risk of fractures.
Thyroid Function Test
Regular thyroid function tests prevent thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. By detecting thyroid dysfunction early, women can also avoid thyroid-related complications like goiter, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. Monitoring thyroid function allows for timely interventions to restore thyroid hormone balance.
Colonoscopy
Regular colonoscopies starting age 45 can prevent colorectal cancer, avoiding advanced-stage cancers and improving survival rates. By detecting precancerous polyps early, women can avoid colon cancer, rectal cancer, and the need for aggressive treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in women. Colonoscopies can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.
Skin Cancer Screening
Regular skin screenings prevent melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, reducing the risk of metastasis and improving treatment outcomes. By detecting skin cancer early, women can avoid invasive surgeries, disfigurement, and metastatic spread to other organs. Skin cancer screenings can identify suspicious moles or lesions early, allowing for prompt treatment.