9 tests that women must do

The latest article summarizes 9 physical examinations that women must do in their lifetime to enhance everyone's awareness of disease prevention.

After 20 years old

Comprehensive physical examination. Between the ages of 21 and 40, a comprehensive physical examination should be done at least once every 5 years. After the age of 40, a physical examination should be done once a year. The examination contents include blood sugar, blood lipids, thyroid function, liver and kidney function, etc.

Pap smear test. This test can detect early symptoms of cervical cancer, and the earlier it is detected, the higher the cure rate. It is recommended to have a check-up every year starting at the age of 21. If you have three normal test results in a row by age 30, you only need to have a check-up every three years until age 65. In this regard, Xu Zhijian, director of the Cancer Prevention Department of the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, believes that for women in their twenties, infection with human papillomavirus is usually transient, so a simpler and less costly Pap smear test can be used.

Sexually transmitted disease testing. There are approximately 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases each year, nearly half of whom are between the ages of 15 and 24. Failure to treat STDs in a timely manner may lead to infertility in some female patients. Sexually active people at high risk should be tested annually for HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

Examination of skin lesions. Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death among women aged 25 to 29. The incidence of melanoma in young women has increased by 50% in the past 30 years. People with a family history of melanoma should get a skin cancer check every year.

After 30

HPV testing. Starting around age 30, women's immunity begins to decline, making them more susceptible to HPV (human papillomavirus) infection. "HPV infection is a necessary factor for cervical cancer. Most sexually active women will be infected with the virus at some point in time." Xu Zhijian told reporters, "Start checking for HPV at the age of 30. If the results are normal, you can do a check every three years. The 'gold standard' recommended by the World Health Organization for cervical cancer detection is to combine Pap smears and HPV tests, which can detect most viral infections."

Blood sugar check. Blood sugar testing can help detect the early signs of type 2 diabetes. If you feel thirsty, tired, or have weight loss, you should test your blood sugar. The risk of diabetes increases with age. It is recommended to check blood sugar every three years after the age of 30, and once a year after the age of 50.

After 40

Lipid test. After the age of 40, blood lipids should be checked every year. Smokers and those with a family history of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease should have regular check-ups.

After 50

Mammogram. The incidence of breast cancer increases with age. Among women aged 50 to 59, the incidence of breast cancer is 2%; among women aged 60 to 69, the incidence of breast cancer is 3%. Experts recommend that you get a mammogram every two years, and those with a family history of breast cancer should get one before age 40. If you find any changes in breast size or shape, or any lumps, you should go to the hospital immediately.

Colonoscopy. Bowel cancer is most common in people aged 50 and over. Numerous studies have shown that colonoscopy can effectively detect intestinal lesions if it is started at the age of 50 and then screened every 10 years.