As we explore life after 50, one of the things we need to make a priority is preventative care. Preventative care is different for men than for women so I will do these in two separate post. Preventative care for women 50 and over, Includes colonoscopy(newest recommendation is 45), mammogram, lab work, pap, clinic breast and cervical exam, bone density exam and any others that your primary care provider may discuss with you.
Colonoscopy: At age 45 is recommended for first colonoscopy. Then if normal every ten years, unless something happens that requires earlier check. You have options, you could do nothing, occult stool cards, small bowel follow through. However, if any positives…. colonoscopy is recommended. Colonoscopy is the gold standard. Getting a visual of the lining of the large intestine (colon). Most insurances are covering the cost, check with yours to see what is covered. American Cancer Society recommendations.
There are many results that might be found, I will discuss the common ones.
Normal: speaks for itself.
Hemorrhoids: small “skin tag” looking areas. Normally benign but can be painful. Can have blood clots in them requiring them to be lanced (opened).
Diverticulosis: small out pouching of the colon. Usually benign, but if they get irritated, can become infected, causing pain and illness. Requiring a visit to primary care and or emergent care. They can bleed which can be an emergency. Special diets help to keep these from becoming irritated.
Polyps: these can be benign, precancerous or cancerous. Depending on the number and what category they fall within depends on what follow up is needed.
Colonoscopies are normally recommended every 10 years if normal starting at age 50, unless you have a first degree relative who has colon cancer then it is suggested 10 years prior to when they were diagnosed if that is before age 50. Follow ups depend on the initial screening.
Clinical breast and cervical exam: Going to see your primary care physician for a clinical breast exam and cervical exam (if you still have your uterus). If you have had a hysterectomy it will depend on what your primary care provider and or GYN recommends for this exam. CDC recommendations for breast cancer screenings. Cervical exam screening recommendations by CDC.
Mammogram: Yearly exam of your breast that can find cancer before it is felt by the self-exam. You should do monthly self-exams, and if you feel something go to your primary care for further eval, even if it has not been a year since last exam. If something has changed or looks concerning the radiologist may suggest that you return for spot compression views. Then if there is continued concerns further testing may be warranted. Breast ultrasounds are also used in some cases to get better view what the area of concern. The radiologist, Primary care provider or GYN will guide you to the best imagining. CDC has guideline recommendations.
Labs: your doctor may have already started with initial labs, checking your complete blood count, cholesterol, kidney and liver function, and blood sugar. Find your answers about lab test here.
Blood pressure: as we age many adults have high blood pressure it is a good idea to monitor this at least yearly. If you see a monitor at your local store, go ahead and measure your blood pressure. Write down the numbers, or put them in your smart phone note pad, they will be available to share at your next appointment. While many factors go into your blood pressure, the old 120/80 or lower is still a good number to by, however talk with your primary care provider to find out what the optimal blood pressure is for you. Hypertension or high blood pressure is called the silent killer as there are few if any symptoms but start causing changes in your body before you realize you have a problem.
Bone density exam: these are completed at the hospital. This exam is painless and looks at the density(strength) of your bones. Women more than men have issues with bone loss. Calcium helps our bones to be strong. As we age the calcium is leached from our bones if we do not have enough circulating for other body functions. Therefore our bones get weak. Ways to keep your bones strong are taking some extra calcium daily. Look at the recommendations for dosage on your favorite over the counter supplement. Exercise and light weight training also help keep our bones strong. Information from the US preventative task force recommendations.
Skin Cancer Screenings: It is suggested to have a screening yearly. Most primary care providers do this when you have your yearly physical. You can also have these at a dermatologist office. National Cancer Institute recommendations.
This is a list of important preventive measures I feel important for those of us ladies over 50. Remember to talk with your primary care provider for their recommendations and discuss what is best for you.