What are the most important medical screening tests for women and at what age should they have them?
• Answer: While not all medical organizations agree on what you need and when, here’s what the National Women’s Health Information Center suggests: Thyroid test – every five years beginning at age 35 Blood pressure test – Every two years beginning at age 18 Cholesterol test – Start at age 20 and let your doctor suggest frequency. Bone mineral density test – Have baseline test around age 40 and let your doctor decide on frequency. Blood sugar test ( diabetes) – Every three years beginning at age 45 Mammogram – Beginning at age 40, every one to two years Pap test/Pelvic exam – Every one to three years if you are sexually active, up to age 65. After age 65 let your doctor decide on frequency. Colorectal health testing – Yearly fecal occult blood test beginning at age 50. Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years if not having a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy – Every 10 years beginning at age 50. Talk to your doctor about a screening plan that is best for you.
