The Most Important Medical Tests All Women Should Take

September is Gynecological Awareness Month, which means we’ll be highlighting female-oriented health concerns. Certain procedures like Pap smears and mammography are common knowledge, being frequently and openly talked about in the media. However, there are a number of other examinations that women need to undergo to stay in optimal health. Here are the top medical tests all women should take.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

If you have heard of a DRE before, it was most likely in reference of one of the primary examinations for men – a prostate exam. However, digital rectal examinations for women are just as important, serving as a means of detection for rectal, uterine, or ovarian cancer, as well as being used to identify problems with a woman’s reproductive organs and check for hemorrhoids. This is part of a gynecological examination and you should be undergoing it annually starting at the age of 40.

Computed Tomography Scan

Although lung cancer is not exclusive to males or females, scientists have proven it to be more prevalent in women. In fact, lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and tied to the highest cancer mortality rates (26% of all cancer-related deaths), even higher than breast cancer.

Both female smokers and non-smokers are at higher risks of developing lung cancer than their male counterparts, and non-smoking females account for nearly 75% of all lung cancer cases. Scientists link this to genetic and hormonal differences fueled by estrogen. As such, they recommend that women between the ages of 55 and 74 undergo a CT scan. Regardless of whether they are a smoker.

Diabetes Screening

The diabetes epidemic affects approximately 15 million women in the United States alone. While this disease is not more likely to occur in one gender or another, diabetes affects women differently than it does men. Diabetes can lead to a number of debilitating health problems as well as complications during pregnancy.

Compared to men, women have lower diabetes survival rates. That’s accompanied by a higher risk for heart disease (stroke or heart attack), blindness, and depression. Even more alarming is the latest scientific research that has shown an increasing correlation between type 2 diabetes and cancer.

The general recommendation is that women between 40 and 70 years old do diabetes tests, but we advise you to do so earlier and more frequently if you are overweight or have a history of diabetes in your family.

Pap Test

A Pap test (or Pap smear) is a gynecological screening procedure used detect cancerous cells in the cervix. Scientist recommend that women receive Pap smears every three years once they turn 21, regardless of sexual activity.

Mammogram

Statistics say one in eight women is to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. This likelihood increases tremendously based on a number of factors: age (40 or older), race (African-American women are at the highest risk), or family history (the risk of breast cancer doubles if an immediate relative is diagnosed with breast cancer).

The American Cancer Society recommends mammograms as one of the best methods for early detection of breast cancer. Women aged 40 or older should have a mammogram screening every year. And can change it to every other year once they are 55 or older.

Female Health Services

The clinics that are part of UrgentMED are happy to provide fast, friendly, and convenient gynecological services and tests all women should take, as well as all other means of female well-being. Visit one of our 14 Southern Califonia locations to schedule a gyno appointment today.