Essential health checks are vital for women as they help manage various health conditions but unfortunately, it is not yet an organized aspect of one's self-care in India. Health check-ups should include investigations like blood and imaging studies, besides blood pressure and BMI. These have many findings relevant to age and present/past/family history. The list of blood tests should comprise complete blood count with focus on haemoglobin, blood sugar for diabetes, and lipid levels for deranged cholesterol, along with thyroid evaluation; vitamins D3, B12, together with calcium; basic liver and kidney evaluation; urine study; and ovarian cancer biomarker.
Imaging investigations include mammography to rule out any breast malignancies. Ultrasound is recommended to assess uterine pathologies such as fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, and ovarian pathologies, including cysts and endometriosis. The Pap smear test is the most important screening test for Indian women. It has been recommended for the age group of 21 to 65 years, depending on sexual history, operative history, and previous Pap smear report, after every 3-5 years.
Other add-ons to this basic test include cardiac assessment, ECG, along with 2D Echo, dental check-ups, eye consultations, and ENT evaluations. Notably, these check-ups are merely administrative aids for physicians in eliminating any suspected health issues; sometimes, they can even be instrumental in diagnosing or prognosticating illnesses.
This is the list of important health checks that every woman should know about:
Breast Examinations Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the world, including India. A breast self-examination should be conducted every month to detect any unusual changes or lumps in the breast tissue. It is equally important to have clinical breast examinations scheduled annually, along with regular breast self-exams. For women above 40 years of age, mammograms are advised every one to two years; however, if there is a family history of breast cancer, it should start earlier.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of death among Indian women. Awareness and preventive measures are vital, including vaccination. A vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. Early vaccination before exposure to HPV is especially required to protect against those strains of HPV most likely to result in cervical cancer. Women should have regular pelvic examinations and Pap smears to check for signs of cervical cancer and other reproductive health issues starting at 21 years of age or three years after becoming sexually active. Incorporating a Pap smear into your annual health check-up routine is crucial because it is a screening procedure for cervical cancer aimed at detecting precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. Routine Pap smears lead to early detection, successful treatment, and significant reduction of risks associated with cervical cancer.
Abdomen and Pelvis Ultrasound An annual ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis is recommended for early detection of ovarian cancers. It is advisable to consult an expert gynaecologist for personal advice and screening guidelines.
Uterine Health Haphazard or unusual bleeding can be a sign that something may be wrong with your uterus, and this may include fibroids, polyps, or even cancer of the uterus. If you ever experience any irregular bleeding, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) PCOS is a common lifestyle disorder striking many women globally. For the prevention and control of PCOS, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular physical exercise and a balanced diet.
Fertility Issues Modern lifestyle stress can affect male as well as female fertility. If you are experiencing difficulty in conceiving, then early consultation with a gynaecologist is essential for appropriate investigations and interventions.
Bone Density Screening Osteoporosis is more prevalent in women, particularly after menopause. Women who are over 65 or younger women at risk should have bone density tests done.
Thyroid Function Tests Women are at a higher risk for thyroid disorders. It is possible to diagnose malfunctions at an earlier stage with the help of periodic TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) tests.
Regular check-ups and proactive measures make a great difference as far as early detection and treatment of several conditions are concerned. Always consult health experts regarding specific issues and do regular follow-ups to maintain optimal health.