Essential Screenings for Women Over 35

As you navigate your mid-30s and beyond, you’re probably busy juggling work, family, and countless other responsibilities. You’re making strides and leaving your mark on the world, but that busy lifestyle can make it easy to overlook your own health. However, this is exactly the time to prioritize proactive care, as the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and breast cancer starts to increase (SSMHealth, 2024).

Regular, comprehensive screenings help in the early detection and treatment of conditions and keep you feeling your best. In fact, women spend an average of nine years in poor health, significantly impacting their overall quality of life (McKinsey Health Institute, 2024). That’s why now more than ever it’s important to make time to eat right, exercise regularly, and complete any recommended health screenings to stay on track in these hectic years. We’ve outlined essential health screenings every woman over 35 should prioritize to stay on top of her health.

General Health Screenings

Make it a habit to see your healthcare provider for an annual physical exam. This yearly check-in is an opportunity to discuss any health concerns and get essential tests, including:

• Blood Pressure Check: High blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular complications if left unchecked.
• Cholesterol Levels: Elevated cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease.
• Blood Glucose Test: This test helps monitor for diabetes, which is becoming increasingly prevalent among women over 35 (SSMHealth, 2024).

Cancer Screenings

• Mammograms: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. The CDC recommends that women aged 50 to 74 years get a screening mammogram every two years, while women aged 40-49 should consult with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision about the frequency of their screenings (CDC, 2024).
• Pap Smear and HPV Testing: These tests screen for cervical cancer and should begin at age 21, continuing every three to five years depending on risk factors.
• Colonoscopy: Regular screening should begin at age 45 for those at average risk, or earlier for those with a family history of colorectal cancer.

Bone Health Screening

Osteoporosis is a growing concern for women as they age, especially after menopause. The CDC recommends a Bone Density Test (DEXA scan) for women aged 65 and older, or younger women with specific risk factors, such as a family history of fractures (CDC, 2024).

Heart Health Screenings

Heart health is a top priority. Talk to your provider about getting screenings like an electrocardiogram (EKG), stress test, and echocardiogram to help detect early signs of heart disease. Managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, combined with lifestyle modifications, can significantly reduce heart disease risk.

Reproductive Health Screenings

For women considering starting a family or evaluating reproductive health, tests such as hormone level evaluations, pelvic exams, and fertility assessments can provide valuable insights into overall reproductive health.

Diabetes Screenings

Given the rise of Type 2 diabetes in women over 35, routine diabetes screenings, including the A1C test and fasting blood sugar test, are crucial to detect early signs and manage the condition effectively (SSMHealth, 2024).

Remember, regular health screenings are one of the best ways to safeguard your health for the long term. Don't let your busy schedule keep you from prioritizing your health. Schedule your next wellness exam and speak to your healthcare provider about the screenings that are right for you.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/data-research/facts-stats/dexa-scan.html

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7315e1.htm

McKinsey Health Institute. (2024, January 17). Closing the women’s health gap: A $1 trillion opportunity to improve lives and economies. https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/closing-the-womens-health-gap-a-1-trillion-dollar-opportunity-to-improve-lives-and-economies

SSMHealth. (2024). When You're 35-49 Women’s Health Through the Years. https://www.ssmhealth.com/services/womens-health/when-you-re-35-49