What Health Screening Tests Are Essential for Women?

Women are natural care givers who put everyone else's health before their own. Screening tests are essential preventive medicine that should not be ignored. Regularly scheduled essential health screening tests can be
the difference between life and death. Early detection through health screening tests allows for early treatment. Treating disease before it progresses increases the chance of a cure.



Cervical Cancer Screening
A Pap-Smear is an essential health screening test no woman enjoys. Still, the moment of discomfort is well worth early treatment for cervical cancer. This test is done once a year by your gynecologist. Your gynecologist takes a swab sample from the cervix. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed for signs of cancer. Some doctors also recommend an HPV test as essential cervical cancer screening for women. HPV is a virus that can cause cervical cancer.

Osteoporosis Screening
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone density decreases causing high risk of fracture and bone loss. It is essential for women over 65 to have regular health screening tests for osteoporosis. Screening tests for osteoporosis involve a special type of X-ray. The test is quick and painless. In some cases, women under the age of 65 may be tested for osteoporosis. Risk factors may include liver and kidney disease, diabetes, bone fractures or taking medicines such as prednisone, which cause bone loss.

High Blood Pressure Screening
High blood pressure is not a condition limited to women. Still, it should be part of your regular essential screening tests. Having your blood pressure checked regularly can give indications of other diseases as well. People with kidney and liver problems often have symptoms of high blood pressure. Diabetes is another disease accompanied by high blood pressure. Your doctor will give you a blood pressure test at every appointment as a routine precaution.

High Cholesterol Screening
High cholesterol rates are increasing due to poor diet and lack of exercise. Many American women rely on fast food
in their hurried daily routine. If you have a history of heart disease or other risk factors your doctor may recommend high cholesterol screening as an essential test. High cholesterol screening tests require fasting for 12 hours prior to your appointment. This essential screening test for women at risk is done by drawing blood and checking cholesterol levels in the blood drawn.

Breast Cancer Screening
Although men can also get breast cancer, women have a much higher risk. There has been controversy recently concerning the age at which women should receive essential screening tests for breast cancer. Most feel mammography should be done yearly after the age of 40. Breast self exams are also recommended as essential breast cancer screening tests for women. Consult your doctor to learn how to do a proper breast self exam.

Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer screening tests are usually performed only when skin cancer is suspected. Your doctor will take a sample of the affected area and test it for cancer cells. It's a good idea for women and men alike to be aware of any changes in moles and freckles as a precautionary measure. Take photos of any prominent moles and freckles as comparison self screening tests for skin cancer. Essential skin cancer screening for woman compares existing moles with pictures to pinpoint changes in color, size or shape.

Colon Cancer Screening
Symptoms such as rectal bleeding or a feeling of fullness after a bowel movement can be indications of colon cancer. Colon cancer is not exclusive to women. Your doctor will want to do a colonoscopy as an essential screening test for colon cancer if you present symptoms. These essential screening tests for women are done regularly after the age of 50. In this test a small tube with a camera attached is inserted into the colon. Another essential screening test for colon cancer is a barium enema X-ray. A dye is injected into the rectum and used to make cancer more visible in an X-ray.

Please Note: The author is not a licensed medical professional. Consult a doctor for information concerning essential screening tests for women.