A recent survey conducted by Gallup for the health technology company Hologic found that approximately 72 million women in the United States skip or delay recommended health screenings. Despite the fact that 90% of women are aware of the importance of regular examinations, more than 40% have postponed these vital examinations.
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This trend is worrying, especially among young women. The survey found that 74% of Gen Z women and 70% of Millennials struggle to prioritize their health, compared to 52% of Baby Boomers and 39% of the Silent Generation.
The importance of regular check-ups
Regular medical examinations are necessary for early detection and treatment of diseases, greatly improving survival. This is especially true for cancer, where early diagnosis can save lives. The increase in early-onset cancers, defined as cancers diagnosed in individuals under the age of 50, underscores the need for timely screening. From 1990 to 2019, early-onset cancers increased by 79%.
According to the survey, a significant percentage of women delayed or skipped screening for the main types of cancer:
41% for breast cancer
35% for cervical cancer
33% for colorectal cancer
Recommended shows for women
Breast cancer
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women be screened for breast cancer every two years between the ages of 40 and 74. This recent update emphasizes the importance of starting screening at age 40, earlier than the previous recommendation of age 50.
Cervical cancer
Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every three years. For women ages 30 to 65, screening can be done every three years with a Pap smear, or every five years with a high-risk HPV test, or a combination of both.
Colon cancer
The USPSTF recommends that both women and men begin screening for colon cancer at age 45, which is lower than the starting age of 50 because of the increased incidence in the younger population.
Additional health checks
In addition to cancer screening, women should also consider:
Blood pressure: annual checks for hypertension.
Diabetes: screening for adults aged 35 to 70 years with a BMI in the overweight or obese range.
Cholesterol: Women age 45 and older with an increased risk of heart disease should be screened.
Reproductive health is another important area. Women should discuss options for contraception if they do not want to become pregnant, or to optimize their health if they do. Regular checks for sexually transmitted infections should also be part of routine health checkups.
Mental health
Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being. Women should be open about issues such as depression, anxiety and stress with their healthcare providers, as many treatment options are available.
Impression tracking
Many women do not have a regular healthcare provider or neglect regular visits due to busy schedules. It is important to keep a personal medical card, track the examinations you have passed and know when the next ones are due. Women should bring this information to their annual checkups and discuss it with their doctors to make sure it is current.
By prioritizing health through regular checkups and preventative measures, women's quality of life and longevity can be greatly improved. By understanding and following these important health checks, women can take better control of their health and well-being.
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