Maintaining good physical health often depends upon a well-balanced diet, exercise, and receiving regular medical tests to help detect conditions early, when the chances of successful treatment are the greatest. The type and frequency of medical tests a woman should have depend on her age and often other circumstances, such as a family history of diseases, etc. This article summarizes the necessary medical tests for women under age 40.Click here to read about medical tests for women over age 40.
- Breast self-exam: Thorough breast self-exams should be practiced monthly beginning at age 20 to check for any breast or nipple changes that may indicate breast conditions or cancer.
- Skin self-exam: The skin and moles should be examined monthly for any changes that may indicate skin cancer or other skin conditions.
- Pelvic exam: A physician-performed pelvic exam should be administered each year beginning at age 18 to check for abnormalities in the size or shape of the uterus, vagina, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum.
- Pap smear: A physician-performed Pap smear should be administered each year beginning at age 18 to screen for cervical cancer and other cervical abnormalities.
- Eye exam: A thorough eye exam should be performed every year until age 18 and then every one to two years until age 60, when annual eye exams should resume.
- Blood pressure test: Blood pressure should be checked by a healthcare provider at least every two years. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Clinical breast exam: A physician-performed clinical breast exam should be performed at least every three years between the ages of 20 and 39 to help detect breast cancer.
- Skin exam: A thorough skin exam should be performed by a physician at least every three years to help detect changes that may indicate skin cancer or other skin conditions.
- Cholesterol test: A cholesterol blood test should be performed at least every five years. High LDL ("bad") cholesterol, high total cholesterol levels or low HDL ("good") cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Dental exam: Regular dental exams and cleanings should be performed to detect cavities and other periodontal diseases.
- Bone mineral density test: Women at high risk of osteoporosis, such as those with a strong family history, those who have had a hysterectomy including ovary removal, etc., may be advised to have a bone mineral density test.
Updated: January 2012
