5 Major Health Screening Tests Every Woman Should Do

Denise Mann

Women certainly have a lot on their plates – and unfortunately their health often takes a back seat to their families and careers.

“The irony is that most women take better care of their cars than their body, and that is in large part because an annual inspection is required to continue driving your car,” says Donnica Moore, MD, a women’s health expert based in Far Hills, N.J.

There is no reason not to take advantage of health care screening tests. “We know that the earlier we identify any potential health problems, the better our outcome will be,” she says. And “if you are totally well, it gives you great reassurance about a whole list of things don’t need to worry about.”

To make the task even easier, WebMD compiled a list of the top five lifesaving health care screening tests every woman needs and why.

1. Heart Smarts

One way to assess your risk is to get health care screening tests for total cholesterol levels, high density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good”cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, and blood fats known as triglyceridest.

“If there is any question of extra heartbeats, chest pain, or shortness of breath, women should have a stress echocardiogram,” she recommends. A stress echocardiogram is usually done to determine whether you have a significantly reduced flow of blood to your heart.

Also, your doctor should test your blood pressure, as high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, she says.

Diabetes is another risk factor for heart disease. If you have a family history of diabetes or are overweight, a blood sugar level or other tests for diabetes are something you should discuss with your doctor.

2. The Power of the Pap Test

A pap test is one of the most important health care screening tests for any woman. Starting three years after becoming sexually active or by age 21, whichever comes first, women need an annual pap test to detect any abnormal cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer.

During a Pap test, a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix is taken and examined for abnormalities that may indicate cancer or changes that could lead to it.

According to ACOG, the Pap test should be done annually until age 30. After 30, if a healthy woman has had three completely normal and satisfactory Pap tests, she may be able to have a pap test every two to three years (but should still see a gynecologist every year for an exam).

“If you are younger than 30, it’s recommended you have the HPV test if your Pap smear test detects abnormal cells or is unclear, and if you are 30 or older, experts recommend you have the HPV test at the same time as your Pap test,” she says.

3. The Benefit of Mammograms

Starting at age 40, a mammogram becomes one of the most essential health care screening tests. Women aged 40 and older should get a mammogram (breast X-ray) every one or two years, Greenberger says. “If there is a history of breast cancer in her family, a woman should get her first mammogram 10 years before her relative was diagnosed,” she tells WebMD. Women older than 50 should have annual mammograms.

In addition, most women should have an annual clinical breast exam by a doctor to feel for suspicious lumps and bumps. Although there are no definitive studies showing the benefit of self-breast exams, ACOG recommends this safe and easy test.

4. Colon Cancer Test

A colonoscopy allows a doctor to see and closely inspect the inside of the entire colon for signs of cancer or polyps or small growths that can eventually become cancerous.

“Colon cancer is totally preventable and treatable if they find it early,” Greenberg says. “Every man and woman should have it despite the fact that it is an unpleasant experience.”

5. Skin Sense and Sensibility

“Every woman at the age of 18 should start having an annual skin exam by their dermatologist,” recommends Ellen S. Marmur, MD, chief of the division of dermatology and cosmetic surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. “This entails a head-to-toe skin exam looking for unusual brown or red spots ” she says.

“Every month you should do a skin self-exam using a hand mirror or hair blower to part your hair and look at your scalp. Don’t forget to check for unusual or new moles on your fingernails, the bottom of your feet and toes, and your underarms. The earlier you start doing this, the better you will know your skin, and if you find something suspicious, your brain will start off an alarm and that will bring you in to see your doctor earlier.”