17 Oct Routine Checkups for Women: When and Why You Should Do It

Women’s bodies change as they age due to fluctuating hormones and slowing metabolism while increasing your risks of different diseases depending on your family history and risk factors.  

To better educate yourself and be aware of the changes in your body, every woman should undergo routine checkups.  

Routine checkups are medical assessments screening you for cancer, medical conditions, and other various diseases for you to stay healthy, including reviewing your lifestyle habits.   

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Routine Checkups for Women  

Like any other checkups, routine checkups for women include the usual blood pressure and blood sugar level tests. Heart health checks are also done, especially for women aged 45 years old to 79 years old.  

One of the most important health checkups for women is the Pap Smear, which is done to detect cervical cancer by checking for any abnormal cells in your cervix that might be cancerous or potentially cancerous.  

Aside from the detection of cervical cancer, Pap Smear can also detect some infections and inflammation, including Human papillomavirus (HPV) and other sexually transmitted infections that can increase the risk of cervical cancer.  

Women aged 21 to 30 should get Pap Smear every 3 years while those aged between 30 and 65 should get one every 5 years.  

Another type of cancer that poses a risk to women is breast cancer, which is the top cancer among women.   

It can be treated and detected early through breast health checks such as mammograms and breast ultrasounds.  

A mammogram can be used for screening or diagnostic purposes. Screening mammogram is used to detect breast changes that could be potentially cancerous without any signs or symptoms. Meanwhile, a diagnostic mammogram closely looks at suspicious changes in the breast such as lumps, unusual skin, nipple discharge, and breast pain.  

Women should start their screening mammograms at age 45.  

Women should also focus on their bone health as women’s bones get weaker as they age. Your chances of getting osteoporosis increase with menopause.  

In addition, colorectal cancer becomes a threat to one’s health. Health care professionals recommend people aged 45 and above get their colon cancer screening.  

Women can get their better health partner with iCare’s She’s Well.  

She’s Well is a prepaid health plan for women 18 and above. It is tailored to every woman’s needs at every age.   

Choose your own She’s Well Plan here https://shop.insularhealthcare.com.ph/shes-well. 

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