In additional to the health screenings listed here for women ages 40 – 49, the following is also recommended for women ages 50 – 65+:
Colon Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, living a healthy lifestyle and getting regular screenings are your best defense again colon cancer. If you have a family history of colon cancer, its necessary to be screened more often as early detection is important.
What to do?
- Screenings designed to find both early cancer and polyps are preferred. If these tests are available to you and you are willing to have one of these more invasive tests; talk with your doctor about which test is best for you.
- For tests that find polyps and cancer; flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or a colonoscopy every 10 years
- For tests that primarily find cancer: yearly fecal occult blood test, or yearly fecal immunochemical test every year, or
- Stool DNA test, interval uncertain
Osteoporosis
As reported by the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes your bones to become week and easily fracture. It is more common in adults over the age of 50. Often one of the first signs is breaking a bone. However, maintaining a healthy diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D and getting regular exercise are excellent preventative measures.
What to do?
- Women at age 60 who are at increased risk for fractures caused by osteoporosis. Check with your health provider.
- A bone density test is recommended at age 65, then follow-up as recommended by health care provider.
