Get screened for prevention
There are five tests every woman should go for to detect cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis for early detection and prevention. MammogramAn x-ray examination for breast cancer which is 85% accurate.Women between 40 and 49 should have one done annually and women above 50 years should do it once every two years. The breast is gently compressed between two plastic plates of the x-ray machine to help spread out the breast tissue so that the image comes out clearer.
Pap SmearA screening test for cervical cancer which looks at the appearance of cells in the cervix.Women between 25 and 69 who have sex or who are sexually active should go for a Pap Smear once every 3 years. A medical tool called a speculum is inserted into the vagina so that the doctor can get a clear view of the cervix. The doctor then collects some cells from the cervix using a small brush and smear them on a glass slide, which will be sent to a laboratory for tests.
Colorectal Cancer ScreeningA battery of tests which helps to detect colorectal cancer at an early stage.Women above 50 should have a faecal occult blood (FOB) test annually or a colonoscopy once every 10 years. The FOB is non-invasive and detects small amount of blood in the stool. A coloscopy requires dietary restriction and bowel cleansing before an instrument is inserted via the anus to inspect the colon.
Bone Mineral Density TestAn x-ray test which measures how many grams of calcium and bone minerals you have in a segment of bone.
For post-menopausal women. A large scanner passes over your body while you are lying down to take x-rays of your lower spine and hip. Alternative, a portable machine may be used to measure the bone density of your wrist, finger or heel.
Heart Disease ScreeningThis refers to the wide range of tests available to diagnose the different forms and stages of heart disease.Women aged 40 and above should start hear health check-ups. The doctor will first takes your medical history and conduct a physical examination which includes blood pressure and pulse checks. He may then draw blood for a battery of tests to check on cholesterol, blood sugar and lipid levels. If required, you may have to take further tests like an electrocardiogram or an exercise stress test which involves a doctor monitoring your heart rate as you run on a treadmil.
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