Health Screening for Women between 40 and 60 years of Age

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"If you check the health of a woman, you check the health of society." - Rebecca Milner

Health screening in women between 40 and 60 years helps to diagnose health issues in the early stages when they can be controlled. This ensures a more comfortable old age.

Women tend to suffer from a number of health issues as they grow older. Some factors that contribute to increased health problems with age include:

• Menopause:  Women usually undergo menopause between the ages of 48 and 55 years.  The level of estrogen reduces during this period, resulting in a loss of its protective effect on various systems. Estrogen increases HDL or “good cholesterol” and reduces LDL or “bad cholesterol.” It also has a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels.  It protects women from high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. It also helps to make bones stronger.  Loss of estrogen makes the woman increasingly susceptible to heart disease and osteoporosis.
• Cancers: Cancers are more common in older women. Breast cancer and cervical cancer commonly affect women.
• Other Age – Related Changes: Like men, age also increases the chances of women developing conditions like diabetes and Alzheimer disease.

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Though many of the above ailments may occur after the woman crosses 60 years, early changes may occur in the age-group of 40 to 60 years.  Early detection through screening helps to treat the problem at the right time and ensures better health in the old age.

Recommended Screening Tests

Detailed examinations as well as several screening tests are recommended for women between 40 and 60 years of age.

Though recommendations for different tests vary in different countries and ethnic groups, some screening tests that women between 40 and 60 years of age should undergo are listed below:

• Routine Examination by a Doctor

A routine examination should be done preferably yearly.  It should also include a breast and pelvic examination and a skin check for skin cancers.  Women should be advised to do monthly self – breast examination.  They should also be advised about healthy lifestyle changes like avoiding smoking and alcohol and controlling weight. 

• Dental Examination

Women should undergo annual dental examinations.

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• Eye Testing

1. Eye examination should be carried out every 2 years above the age of 40 years. 
2. Testing for glaucoma should be done every 2 years over the age of 45.

• Blood Pressure

Blood pressure should be checked once every 2 years and more often if it is above normal level.

• Lipid profile

A lipid profile to check cholesterol levels should be carried out once every 5 years beyond the age of 44 years.

• Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screening is advised in women over 50 years of age with a stool test every year and a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or a colonoscopy every 10 years.

• Mammogram

Mammogram to check for breast cancer should be carried out every one to two years above the age of 40 years

• Pap Smear

Pap smears are recommended after the age of 21 whenever the woman becomes sexually active.  It is recommended every 2 to 3 years above the age of 40 years

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• DEXA Scan

A DEXA scan to check for bone density should be carried out in women at a high risk for osteoporosis

• Blood sugar Testing

A fasting and postprandial blood sugar should be tested once in 3 years to check for diabetes

• HIV Testing

Women with multiple sexual partners or at high risk for developing HIV may need to undergo screening for the disease.