Women should take proper care of their health as they are an important part of our families. If a woman becomes vulnerable to diseases, it will not only affect her but also the entire family. In order to ensure that they are fit and healthy, women must undergo some screening tests at regular intervals. Here we are going to discuss some screening tests necessary for women aged between 40 and 60 years. I recently took my aunt to a pathology lab near me for these tests.

Blood Pressure Screening

Every year, you should have your blood pressure checked at least once. There may be the need for checking your blood pressure more often if you have kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes and other conditions.

Diabetes Screening

It is important to go for diabetes screening when you become 44 years old. However, you may have to start this screening at a younger age. If your blood pressure is on the higher side or you have other risk factors for diabetes, your doctor may ask you to go for testing your blood sugar levels. You can go to a diagnostic centre in Uttarpara for this screening test.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

You should go for colorectal cancer screening when your age is between 50 and 60 years. Some of the screening tests are the following:

  • After every year a faecal occult blood (stool-based) test
  • After every year a faecal immunochemical (FIT)
  • After every 3 years a stool DNA test
  • After every 5 years a flexible sigmoidoscopy
  • After every 5 years a double contrast barium enema
  • After every 5 years a CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
  • After every 10 years a colonoscopy

If you have risk factors for colorectal cancer, you may have to go for colonoscopy more often. These factors are a family or personal history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis and history of growths called adenomatous polyps.

Cholesterol Screening

When your age is between 40 and 45, you should start your cholesterol screening. It is advisable to have your cholesterol checked every 5 years. The need for more frequent checking of cholesterol arises if you suffer from heart disease, kidney problems, high cholesterol levels, diabetes and some other complications. In a pathology lab in Hooghly, you can undergo this screening test.

Dental Exam

Every year visit your dentist once or twice for an exam and cleaning. You may need to have more visits if your dentist advises so.

Breast Exam

You should ask your doctor for advice on breast examination. In normal cases, you should ask your doctor about breast examination. If you find any change in your breasts, you should immediately contact your doctor. As part of a preventive exam, your doctor may suggest a clinical breast exam.

Osteoporosis Screening

A bone density test (DEXA scan) is beneficial for women above 50 years who have fractures. You should also go for osteoporosis screening if your age is under 60 and have risk factors for osteoporosis.