8 health checks every woman should have
Health checks are something many people forget but are vitally important. In fact, they could save your life. As well as packing your diary with nice appointments such as manicures and cinema dates, we should all be regularly inputting doctors appointments to get our MOTs. Even if it's just to check the odd freckle or check that your gut is functioning as it should - you can never be too cautious. Here are 8 health checks every women should have and how often. Book now.
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AlamyCholesterol Check
Why? “High cholesterol can be genetic, so if you have a family history you need to be tested,” says Dr Hicks. High cholesterol raises the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Obvious risk factors are smoking, being overweight etc, but plenty of slim/fit young people have
high cholesterol and no symptoms, so it’s a good idea to get tested.
How often? Every five years.
AlamyListen to your gut
Why? “If you have symptoms of coeliac disease – an intolerance to gluten
– like tiredness, losing weight or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ask your GP for a blood test,” says Dr Brewer. “If you have an immediate family member with coeliac disease, ask for a test even without symptoms.” Of the one in 100 people in the UK who have the condition, only 24% are diagnosed.
How often? Once – if diagnosed you’ll have to eat
a gluten-free diet for life. Visit coeliac.org.uk
iStockSmear Test
Why? “Smears detect early changes in cervical cells which, if left untreated, might progress to cervical cancer,” says GP Dr Sarah Brewer. “Early detection prevents around 75% of cervical cancers.”
How often?
“Between 25 and 49, you’ll be invited for a smear every three years,” says Dr Brewer. If you’re under 25 or between smears, see your GP if you experience pain during sex, unpleasant discharge or bleeding between periods or after sex. The middle of your cycle (14 days after the start of your period) is the best time to schedule it.
AlamyMole Check
Why? “Early detection can stop a changing mole becoming melanoma,” says Caoimhe Scully from The Mole Clinic.
How often? “Self-check every three months. Follow the ABC guide: A for asymmetrical (it shouldn’t be), B for border (it shouldn’t be jagged), C for colour (any changes?), D for diameter (bigger than 7mm?) and E for Evolving (has it changed?). If so, see your GP.
Rex FeaturesDiabetes Test
[b]Why?</b “If you have symptoms including frequently passing urine and feeling thirsty, recurrent thrush, losing weight for no reason and tiredness, ask your GP for
a urine test,” says Dr Hicks.
How often? You can develop diabetes at any time, but you’ll usually get symptoms, so you only really need to get tested if you experience any of the above. Take advice from your GP if you’re worried.
iStockSTI Screening
Why? “As well as smears, sexually active women should also be screened for STIs,” says GP Dr Rob Hicks.
How often? “If you’re seeing lots of people or not practising safe sex, go every month. If you’re in a monogamous relationship, both get checked at the start of the relationship.” If you notice any genital itching, burning, unusual discharge, discomfort, pressure in the abdomen or flu-like symptoms or fever that doesn’t get better, still speak to your GP.
AlamyBreast Check
Why? In the UK there’s no formalised checking for breast cancer until 50, so you need to be breast-aware. “Get used to feeling your breasts regularly, as it’s important to know what your breasts feel like at different times – some women are lumpy before their period, others after it,” says Dr Hicks.
How often? Frequently. “Feel your breasts in the shower and know what’s normal for you. As well as a lump, look out for puckering or dimpling of the skin, bleeding from the nipple, a red patch or rash around the nipple that doesn’t heal, nipple discharge or pain in the breast.”
iStockBlood Pressure Check
Why? “It’s never too early to check for high blood pressure,” says Dr Hicks. “Especially if you’re overweight, have a family history or drink a lot of alcohol.”
How often? “Every five years. Your pharmacist or GP will do it.” You should also see your GP if you regularly feel faint, dizzy, have blurred vision, nausea or unsteadiness – all can be signs of low blood pressure.
