Women’s Health Care Screening Recommendations
As we bloom into spring, it is imperative to think about the importance of screenings. Screenings are meant to improve one’s health, reduce relative risks and treat conditions early if present. It may feel that life is too busy and there is no time for self-care, or maybe you are just not sure where to start.
The following are some main areas of consideration and their corresponding recommendations. Risk assessments are changing regularly as we move throughout our lives and at the Stram Center we value your health and want you to feel your best. Below are a few recommendations for women’s health screening...
Mammogram-
According to National guidelines, the recommended age to start annual mammograms is between 40 and 50. The US Preventative Task Force recommends women start at age 40 and continue screenings every 2 years through the age 74.
According to the American Cancer Society, it is recommended for those of average breast cancer risk (meaning no family history) to start screenings at age 40 and continue annually through age 55. After age 55 it is recommended to have screenings every other year through the rest of life as long as the individual is expected to continue to live another 5-10 yrs. For those with high risk factors, you should start screenings annually at age 30. Screenings in these individuals may also include an additional MRI of the breast. High risk persons include those with a first degree relative with breast cancer history, carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation or radiation to the chest at a young age (under 30).
Self-breast exam continues to be a simple baseline screening that women can continue to do once per month.
Bone Density-
Post-menopausal women, or those post hysterectomy at a younger age, are at a higher risk for osteopenia or osteoporosis. More than 50% of postmenopausal women will experience an osteoporotic fracture within their lifetime.
The age for women recommended to get a bone density exam according to the US Preventative Task Force is 65 yrs or greater. Included are those under the age of 65 with a fracture risk equal to or greater than 10 years.
A DXA screening gives providers a better understanding of what supplemental therapies could be used to prevent further bone loss for the patient. DXA stands for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of the hip and lumbar spine. This in conjunction with lifestyle changes are great ways to promote bone health.
Colonoscopy-
The American College of Gastroenterology, the CDC, the American Cancer Society, and the US Preventative Task Force recommend to start screenings with colonoscopy at age 50, however is advised to screen earlier if risk and familial tendency is indicated. It is also recommended to repeat the screening in 10 years if there are no polyps on the initial exam. If there is a polyp, depending on size and quantity, a follow up is indicated in 1-3 years.
Cardiovascular risk assessment-
A cardiovascular risk assessment is a screening that includes total cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Associated with other risks such as quality of diet, physical fitness, weight/body mass index (BMI), smoking/environmental exposures, race, sex and age are all factors that influence our overall cardiac health and project our risk for an estimated 10 years.
As we evaluate and screen our patients, we are actively providing guidance and recommendations to reduce risk with early intervention and prevention management skills.
