May is Women’s Health Awareness Month, an opportune time to evaluate your health as a woman. Women’s health encompasses a broad spectrum of physical and mental well-being. While Pap tests, available for cervical cancer screening, and mammograms, available for breast cancer screening, are crucial components of preventive care, there are numerous other aspects of women’s health that deserve attention.
PAP TESTS
Women are familiar with Pap tests, Pap smears, and screening for cervical cancer, but did you know that the guidelines have changed? Regardless of sexual activity, screening should begin at age 21. Women aged 21-29 at low risk should have a Pap test every three years.
HPV TESTING
Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing may be considered for women aged 25 to 29; however, Pap tests are preferred. Women aged 30 to 65 have three options for testing: a Pap test and HPV test every five years, a Pap test every three years, or an HPV test every five years. After age 65, you can cease cervical cancer screenings if you have never had abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer and had two or three consecutive negative screening tests.
It is essential to evaluate whether the HPV vaccine, introduced in 2006, is appropriate for you. HPV is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the United States, and can lead to cervical cancer, warts, oral cancer and more. The vaccine is recommended beginning at age 9, up to age 26, and to age 45 in certain populations. Clinical trials have shown the efficacy of the vaccine against HPV infection exceeded 90% among women without prior HPV infection.
MAMMOGRAMS
Mammogram screening guidelines recommended by the American Cancer Society have also changed. Current guidelines for women of average risk begin at age 40 to 44, with the option to screen with a yearly mammogram. Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year or choose annual mammograms. Screening should continue for women who are in good health and are expected to live ten more years. Clinical breast exams are not recommended for breast cancer screening among average-risk women at any age.
BONE DENSITY SCREENINGS
Bone density or DEXA Scans are recommended for women aged 65 to test for osteoporosis (bone thinning). One in five women over the age of 50 are affected by osteoporosis. This screening is also recommended for those with higher risk factors: younger non-Hispanic white and Asian women, a parent with a history of hip fracture, in early menopause, other hormonal disorders, alcohol use, nicotine dependence, low body weight, inactivity, and on certain medications or with certain health conditions. A DEXA Scan is a non-invasive test that passes an energy beam through the hip and spine to measure bone density. Prevention of osteoporosis includes consuming calcium-rich foods, absorbing Vitamin D, performing weight-bearing exercises, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health is a vital factor in your primary care. Patients are routinely screened via questionnaires for anxiety and depression at preventative health visits, either by the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) or the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Statistics indicate that anxiety rates are higher among women, including adolescents, than men, with figures surpassing the 20th percentile. Additionally, depression is twice as common in women than in men (over the age of 20). The CDC found one in ten women suffer from depression. If you have feelings of anxiousness, hopelessness, low energy, changes in appetite, loss of sleep, loss of energy, and decreased interest in enjoyable activities, these symptoms should be addressed with your primary care provider – help is available.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Weight management is another important topic. Your body mass index (BMI) should be calculated at each doctor visit. In 2013, the American Medical Association recognized obesity as a disease. The treatment of weight management has changed to address this as a chronic disease and can be addressed and managed by your primary care provider. Weight loss drugs (GLP-1 receptor agonists) initially approved by the FDA in 2014 work to make the stomach empty slower and signal the brain that you are full. Some commercial insurances cover weight loss drugs in women with a BMI > 27 with comorbidity (two or more diseases or medical conditions at the same time) in a patient or a BMI> 30 without comorbidity. Along with diet and lifestyle modifications and long-term lifestyle changes, women are losing weight like never before. Weight loss is proven to decrease your cardiovascular and diabetes risks and improve liver health, mood, and joint disorders.
CRITICAL SCREENINGS
Critical screenings for women include Pap tests, breast cancer screenings, vaccine counseling regarding HPV and others, osteoporosis screenings, and mental health screenings. Additionally, labs for diabetes should be included for women above the age of 35 and earlier in women with additional risks. Cardiovascular screenings should begin at age 18 with blood pressure screenings and cholesterol level checks for women aged 20 and older. Colorectal cancer screening should begin for women with average risk at age 45. Screening for sexually transmitted infections, as well as reproductive health, should also be addressed.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Tobacco cessation, maintaining an optimal body mass index, limiting alcohol, and exercising most days of the week are critical to your overall health. Now is the time to schedule a preventative health examination with a primary care provider to ensure you are on the road to your best health!
Phillips Medical Clinic
613 Lexington Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas
479.242.9797 I PhillipsMedicalClinic.com
WORDS By Jacqueline Phillips, APRN
IMAGE NStafeeva/Shutterstock
