Regular physical exams and health screening tests are an important part of preventative healthcare. Health maintenance should be a priority for women of all ages. Early diagnosis of disease is the goal since this is when treatment may be most successful.

Every health assessment should begin with a thorough history and physical examination. Consideration should then be given to laboratory and diagnostic testing. Your physician should evaluate whether you are at high risk for conditions based on family history, your medical history and your lifestyle.

During the teens and twenties, the focus is on immunization and counseling. An exciting new development is the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) which is now FDA approved for females ages 9-26. Counseling should center around education on female sexuality, avoiding high risk behaviors and unwanted pregnancy, as well as, developing good dietary and exercise habits. HIV testing as well as screening for other sexually transmitted disease should be performed fairly routinely regardless of personal risk factors.

Beginning at the age of 20, a breast self exam is recommended monthly. A clinical breast exam and pelvic exam with pap smear is recommended annually. Annual or biannual mammograms are recommended beginning at the age of 40. These screening guidelines may vary if breast cancer is part of your family history.

As a women matures, the focus shifts toward preconception counseling, evaluation of HPV status, lipids, thyroid, and diabetes risk. For example, HPV testing should be routine for all women over 30. This testing is performed on the same sample that is obtained for a pap smear. Almost all cervical cancers are related to HPV. Your pap smear may be normal, but if your HPV testing is positive for a high risk virus type, further cervical screening is indicated.

Monitoring for thyroid disease, high cholesterol and diabetes becomes more of a focus during middle age. Initially this may be through health assessment and lifestyle screening, then blood work as needed. Again, family history of specific diseases will warrant more regular screening.

Colorectal cancer screening becomes important as a women reaches the age of 50. Earlier screening is routinely recommended if family history is significant for the disease. Colonoscopy is the preferred method for colorectal cancer screening.

Osteoporosis, “porous bones”, affects an estimated 10 million Americans, at least 80% of which are women. The loss of bone density accelerates during the first 5 to 7 years after menopause. A DEXA scan is recommended for screening for bone loss for all women age 65 and older. Certain risk factors including early menopause, history of fracture, small bone frame, light weight, family history, chronic diseases and some medications may warrant screening at an earlier age.

Many diseases are silent and go undiagnosed for many years without proper screening. Exercise often, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest and see your health care provider regularly to help maintain your optimal health.