Tens of millions of U.S. women* are behind on their recommended health screenings, based on results from a recent Hologic-Gallup survey. Even though 90% of women surveyed said that health screenings for conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, and sexually transmitted infections are important, as many as 43% have fallen behind or skipped them entirely.
We should care about this disconnect–also known as the “screening action gap”–because catching health problems early (when many conditions are most treatable) and getting timely care may mean living healthier and longer. Getting health problems under control can also help prevent other more serious health problems later. For example, managing high blood pressure can help lower risks for heart disease and stroke, and treating high-risk human papillomavirus can help prevent it from becoming cancer.
So how can we close the gap? According to the survey, there are lots of reasons women skip health screenings. Some say it’s hard to find the time, some feel like they’re unnecessary, and others have anxiety around getting medical tests or results, to name a few. But one reason stands out as something we Nerdy Girls can help with: many people just don’t know what health screenings they need and when they might need them.
Here are 8 recommended health screenings for adult women and people who are assigned female at birth:**
🙋🏻♀️Breast cancer:
- If you’re 40-74 years old and you have breasts, mammograms are recommended every 2 years.
- If you have a higher risk of getting breast cancer, your clinician may recommend that you start getting mammograms at a younger age or more often.
🕵️Cervical cancer:
- If you’re 21-29, Pap tests are recommended every 3 years.
- If you’re 30-65, you have 3 options:
- Get screened every 3 years with a Pap test
- Get screened every 5 years with a human papillomavirus test
- Get screened every 5 years with both a Pap test and a human papillomavirus test
- If you have had your uterus removed, check with your clinician about your particular screening needs.
💩Colorectal cancer:
- Clinicians recommend that most people begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 45.
- There are several tests, some of which can be done at home.
🍑Sexually transmitted infections (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea):
- If you’re 24 or younger and having sex, it’s recommended that you get tested once every year.
- If you’re 25 or older, it’s recommended that you get tested every year if you’re at higher risk for infection (e.g., more than 1 sexual partner, new partner, partner with a sexually transmitted infection).
🦴Osteoporosis (weak bones):
- It is recommended to get a bone density test if you are 65 or older.
- If you’re 64 or younger and have gone through menopause, ask your clinician if you need a bone density test.
🩸Prediabetes and diabetes:
- If you’re 45 or older, it is recommended to get a blood glucose test at least every 3 years.
❤️Cholesterol:
- Recommendations suggest that you get a blood test to check cholesterol every 4-6 years or more often if you have a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
📈Blood pressure:
- If your blood pressure is normal with values below 120/80 mm Hg, clinicians recommend to get it checked at least once a year.
- If your blood pressure is higher, talk to your clinician.
If you’ve missed a screening, make an appointment to get caught up. Check in with the women and people assigned female at birth in your circle–family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones–to remind them about these screenings, too!
Sources & Further Reading:
- MyHealthfinder: Learn more about screening recommendations and questions to ask your clinician. You can also use the MyHealthfinder tool to quickly see which screening tests and vaccines you or your loved ones need to stay healthy.
- CDC Cancer Screening Tests
*Note: The Hologic-Gallup survey interviewed people who identify as women. The screening recommendations above apply to women and people assigned female at birth.
**Note: This is not a complete list of recommended health screenings. Talk to your clinician about your personal risk factors, such as health history, age, if you are pregnant, and lifestyle, and what screenings may be recommended for you. There is no harm in asking your clinician whether you would benefit from earlier or different types of screenings. You can also learn more from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Stay safe, stay curious,
Those Nerdy Girls
