Regular health screenings are essential for women to monitor their health and detect potential medical conditions early. Many serious health issues, such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and thyroid disorders, often go undetected without proper screening.
Early detection through health screenings allows for timely treatment and preventive measures, improving overall health outcomes.
Recommended Health Screenings for Women
Here are some common health screenings that women should undergo, including:
Blood Pressure Screening
Regular blood pressure checks are important for women, as hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common health concern, especially after the age of 40. Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
In pregnant women, high blood pressure can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and restricted fetal growth. Routine screening helps manage and prevent these risks.Skrining kesehatan bermanfaat membantu mendeteksi dini adanya kondisi kesehatan tertentu
Bone Density Screening
Bone density testing is used to assess bone health and detect osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones fragile and more susceptible to fractures. Osteoporosis is more prevalent in women, particularly after menopause.
Women at higher risk—such as those over 50, with a family history of osteoporosis, a sedentary lifestyle, or prolonged use of medications affecting bone health—are advised to undergo bone density screening.
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Screening is crucial for early detection before symptoms appear, significantly improving treatment success rates.
Mammograms are recommended for women over 40, those with a family history of breast cancer, or individuals with genetic risk factors. Regular self-breast examinations and clinical breast exams may also help in early detection.
Pap Smear and HPV Screening
Pap smears and HPV tests are essential screenings for women's health, particularly for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. These tests help identify abnormal cervical cell changes and assess the risk of cervical cancer development.
A Pap smear involves collecting a sample of cells from the cervix to examine for abnormalities. Meanwhile, an HPV test detects the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), a major risk factor for cervical cancer.
Combining a Pap smear with an HPV test provides more accurate results for early detection of abnormal cervical cell changes and assessing cervical cancer risk. Screening guidelines vary by country, but in general, Pap smears and HPV tests are recommended for women starting at age 21 or 25, depending on local medical recommendations.
In addition to these screenings, other recommended health tests for women include colorectal cancer screening, diabetes screening, HIV/AIDS screening, cholesterol screening, and testing for sexually transmitted infections.
For medical advice or consultation, you can visit a doctor or use the consultation features available in the Ai Care application by downloading it from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Pandu Lesmana
Harvard Medical School. Screening Tests for Women. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/screening-tests-for-women
Medline Plus (2021). Measuring Blood Pressure. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/measuring-blood-pressure/
Mayo Clinic (2022). Bone density test. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-density-test/about/pac-20385273
Cancer.net (2021). Breast Cancer: Screening. Available from: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/breast-cancer/screening
Office on Women's Health (2021). Pap and HPV tests. Available from: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/pap-hpv-tests