Health Screenings and What Women Should Know

For women, staying on top of these changes can be a real challenge without the strong support of a physician. Anna Kalbfell, MD, an obstetrician/ gynecologist from Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, offers women the following advice on how to get and stay healthy at all ages.

Age 21:

In general, young women should begin seeing an OB/GYN at age 21, unless there is an issue that requires our attention. We will recommend an annual exam, which may include a pap smear to screen for cervical cancer as well as offer testing for sexually transmitted diseases up and through the age of 26.

Age 40:

All women should begin getting annual mammograms at age 40, unless there is a history of early breast cancer in the family, in which case earlier screening may be recommended. Please do not avoid your annual imaging! This, coupled with a yearly breast exam, is our best way to detect cancer early and save your life.

According to the National Breast Cancer Society, the average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer in her life is about 13%. This means there is a 1 in 8 chance a woman will develop breast cancer.

Age 45:

Colon cancer screening is recommended to begin at 45, or sooner if risk factors, such as family history, are present. For most women, these screenings should be repeated every ten years.

Age 65:

All women should have a bone density scan at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis, if not done sooner due to risk factors. Estrogen, the female hormone, protects women from bone loss in their youth, however, as women age, they produce less and less of it. When women hit their menopause years, the production of estrogen drops significantly, which can result in bone loss.

Key Take Away:

It is important to know your body and to schedule an appointment with a physician if something feels off. It is also important to have an established, trusted physician in your life to advise you on all these important screenings. Along the journey of life, medical questions and concerns will come up and we can help guide you.

If you are a woman looking for a lifelong health care partner, schedule your appointment with a Trinity Health OB/GYN by clicking Your Health at Every Age.