Regular checkups provide a comprehensive overview of your health and play a crucial role in early detection and prevention of diseases. It is important to consult your doctor to determine which tests are appropriate for you, and when to repeat them, based on your age, medical history, and risk factors. (1)


The following are general instructions for regular medical examinations for women:

1. Measuring blood pressure

You should measure your blood pressure: (2)


  • Once every 2-5 years: If you are 18-40 years old, and you have no risk factors that increase the chance hypertension.
  • Once a year: If you are 40 years old or older, or before 40 years old with risk factors that increase the chance of developing hypertension, such as: excess weight and family history.


 

2 Cholesterol tests

Cholesterol tests are important once every 4-6 years starting at age 45, and from age 20 if you have known risk factors for heart disease. (3)



These tests are repeated more frequently:

  • If the examination results are abnormal.
  • If you have risk factors, such as: a family history of hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, smoking, obesity, inactivity, or old age.
  • If lifestyle changes occur, including weight gain and diet.


3.     Diabetes investigations

Blood sugar tests start at age 35 and repeat every 3 years if you have no known risk factors for diabetes. (4)


However, you will need to undergo tests more frequently as recommended by your doctor if:

  • The blood sugar test results were abnormal.
  • You have risk factors, such as: a family history of diabetes, obesity, heart disease and hypertension, inactivity, old age, or smoking.


4.     Breast cancer examination

Starting at the age of 40, you must undergo a mammogram (an X-ray of the breasts), to accurately detect breast cancer early before any symptoms appear, and repeat it every one to two years.


The doctor may recommend that you have it done before that if there are factors that increase the chance of developing it, such as: (5) (6)

  • Family or personal history of breast cancer.
  • Previous exposure to chest radiation therapy.
  • The presence of genetic mutations that may cause breast cancer.



Breast self-exam, starting at age 20, is performed regularly several days after menstruation ends, looking for any changes in the shape or texture of the breast. Here we point out that breast self-exam does not replace starting a mammogram at the age of 20, as it is not a substitute for it, and it is not sufficient alone.


5. Cervical Cancer examination

Cervical smear is the most important step for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. It detects abnormal changes in the cervix before they become malignant, as these cells can turn into cancer after 3-7 years, which enables them to be detected and eradicated early, and recommended to be done in these frequencies. (7)

  • 21 - 29 years (for married, divorced and widowed women): Cervical smear every 3 years
  • 30 - 65 years (for married, divorced and widowed women): Cervical smear every 3 years, or only HPV test every 5 years, or both tests together every 5 years.


6. Colorectal cancer examination

Starting at age 45 and up to age 75, you should undergo colorectal cancer screening, which generally includes fecal occult blood tests every 1-3 years, or a colonoscopy every 5-10 years, depending on the type of endoscopy. (8)


7. Vision and eye health examination

Starting at the age of 40, you should undergo vision evaluation tests and early detection of eye diseases, such as high intraocular pressure and cataracts, even if you do not suffer from any symptoms, but if you suffer from any symptoms or have risk factors that increase your chance of developing diseases. Eyes, such as diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of eye diseases, so do not wait until the age of 40, and see a doctor as soon as possible. (9)


8. Dental examinations

See your doctor for examination and cleaning of your teeth at least once or twice a year, and your doctor may recommend more frequent visits depending on the condition of your teeth. (1)


9. Skin cancer examination

The American Association of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that you perform regular skin self-exams for changes in the color, size, or texture of moles or freckles, or symptoms such as itching, tingling, or bleeding, and visit your dermatologist periodically, especially if you have a personal or family history of having skin cancer, or if you were immunocompromised. (10)


10. Osteoporosis examination (Bone density test)

It is recommended to do a bone density test once every two years, starting at the age of 65, and ask your doctor about your need for the test before that if you have risk factors that increase the chance of fractures, including: a family history of the disease, a previous history of fractures, or some medical conditions such as diabetes, or Prolonged use of certain medications, such as cortisone, smoking or drinking alcohol. (11)





Prioritize your health! Do not wait for symptoms to appear, schedule an appointment today at Al-Ahli Hospital for comprehensive medical examinations. Preventive care is the key to long-term health, and our experienced team is here to ensure that you receive integrated care.




References