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9 Vital screening tests for women

screening_tests_for_women_ Dr Prem

 

 

It is important for a woman to take care of her health, as reproduction is an integral part of her life. Screening tests form a crucial part of this health care routine. Right screening tests at the right time can help detect diseases at their onset, thereby making treatment easy and effective. Here are the nine screening tests every woman should consider to ensure optimum health.

1. Breast cancer

Breast cancer is curable, if detected in its early stage, as smaller tumors do not spread to lymph nodes and other organs such as lungs or brain. Hence, every woman in her 20s and 30s, who is unaware of breast cancer risk factors, should get a clinical breast exam done by a health professional, once in every three years.

2. Cervical cancer

Cervix is part of the uterus that extends in the vaginal cavity. Major risk factor for cervical cancer is human papillomavirus i.e. HPV’s constant infection. Regular screening can help detect cervical cancer at a curable stage. Also this test can detect abnormal precancerous cells on cervix’s surface, which can be removed before they turn cancerous.

3. Osteoporosis and fractured bones

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and fragile. It is caused by loss of bone density, which accelerates in women after menopause. The first symptom is often a painful bone fracture that can occur with only a minor fall, blow, or even just a twist of the body. It is possible to both prevent and treat osteoporosis, which threatens over half of U.S. adults, aged 50 and over.

4. Skin cancer

Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer that affects the cells producing pigments in the skin. While some have it in their genes, the risk increases with over exposure in the sun and sun burns. Early detection is very helpful in treatment of skin cancer.

5. High blood pressure (hypertension)

Mostly related to height and weight and our lifestyle, high blood pressure result in many complications without any prior symptoms, and increases with age. Treating high blood pressure can help reduce risks of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Hence, early detection of of high blood pressure and working on it with your doctor will lead to a healthy life.

6. Cholesterol levels

The risk of atherosclerosis, which is mainly hardening and narrowing of the arteries is caused by high level of LDL cholesterol. It mostly progresses without any symptoms, and can cause heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other such diseases. One of the most effective way of lowering the risk of a heart disease is change in lifestyle and medications.

7. Type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mostly leads to numerous complications such as heart stroke, kidney diseases, and blindness, due to the damage to the retina and nerve. If detected early, there are chance to control diabetes by regular exercise, proper diet, and weight loss.

8. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HIV is the cause of AIDS, and is mostly present in the blood and other body secretions of infected individuals. It can spread from one person to another when these secretions come in contact with vagina, anal area, mouth, eyes. Despite ongoing research, scientists have been unable to find a cure or vaccine for this deadly disease. However, early detection will help you start the treatment early with anti-HIV medications, which may help your body fight the virus.

9. Colorectal cancer

It is the second most common cause of death from all types of cancer. It develops from colon polyps, which are growths on colon on the inner side. After it develops, it spreads to other parts of the body too. One way to prevent colon cancer is to remove the colon polyps before they turn harmful. Hence, early detection is useful in such cases.

Prevention is better than cure. Thus, it is recommended that every woman undertakes these essential screening tests to lead a happy and healthy life.

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