9 Preventive Health Checks that every woman should receive

     Due to this special month, BDMS Wellness Clinic would like to invite all mothers and women to come for a health check. Because keeping our health strong (Wellness) and living a long, happy life (Happiness) is better than the fatigue and suffering that may come with illness (Sickness). Preventive check-up helps provide an opportunity to screen for diseases and abnormalities at an early stage. To prevent and avoid complications and serious health problems that may occur in the future.

9 preventative health checks What women should receive are the following.

1. Pap smear or Pap test

It is a screening test for cervical cancer. To detect abnormal cells or cells that may develop into cancer cells Including testing for the HPV virus (Human papillomavirus), which increases the risk of cervical cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 25 years and older have a smear test every three years.

2. Mammography (mammogram)

Starting at age 50, women should have a mammogram every two years. But if you're at risk for breast cancer, They should be examined as soon as possible. and should be followed up every year For example, If your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45, you should get a mammogram at age 35 or 10 years in advance. Mammograms are considered an effective breast cancer screening tool. Studies show that Mammography Can reduce deaths from breast cancer by up to 1 in 3 of all women.

3. Body Composition Analysis

The body is constantly changing its composition. Body measurement to analyze bone density, fat mass, and muscle mass with a DEXA scan machine gives more information about the body than using body weight alone. All women should have a bone mineral density screening at age 65 to reduce their risk of osteoporosis. (osteoporosis) and know the body fat mass Whether we are obese or not To prevent more than 32%, help reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and to maintain muscle mass at an appropriate level. Prevent falls that may occur.

4. Colon cancer screening

Studies show that screening for colon cancer Helps find abnormal tissue and cancer cells at an early stage. Reduce the chance of disease spread Gives better treatment results And may help reduce the death rate. People over 45 years of age or who have a family history of colon cancer should be regularly screened.

Screening for colon cancer includes checking for Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which is a tumor marker (Tumor marker), testing the stool for blood that is invisible to the naked eye (Fecal occult blood test), which should be checked once a year, and colonoscopy and colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years. There are many forms of screening, depending on the type of cancer. All women should consult with a medical professional for advice.

5. Testing different hormone levels.

Because hormones affect work throughout the body. Testing the level of sex hormones in the blood It can indicate many important women's health information, such as the period of menstruation, fertility (Fertility), early signs of menopause or menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; PCOS), or certain types of tumors.

Checking the levels of other hormones, such as insulin, thyroid hormone, or growth hormone, can help in diagnosing the risk of various diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, or thyroid problems. Measuring hormone levels leads to recovery. By changing your lifestyle Including the supplementation of various medicines and vitamins.

6. Testing blood sugar and fat levels

Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance. We should screen our blood sugar levels after fasting. and accumulated sugar levels (Glycated hemoglobin A1C; HbA1C) along with insulin hormone levels in the blood (Fasting Insulin) regularly. Even if you have never had symptoms of diabetes before. Especially women who have a history of gestational diabetes. You should be screened for diabetes every 3 years after pregnancy.

Measurement of blood lipid levels, total cholesterol (Total cholesterol), triglycerides. (Triglyceride), LDL fat (LDL), and HDL fat (HDL), making you aware of health risks. High sugar and fat levels over a long period of time Leads to other health problems and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (Cardiovascular disease) including heart disease and cerebrovascular disease (Stroke), which are the leading causes of paralysis and number one death in Thailand. Testing blood sugar and lipid levels Helps you be careful about your lifestyle habits. Both about eating and exercise Including the doctor may give specific medicine. To prevent disease in the future.

7. Cancer risk genetic code testing

BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene 2) are genes which produce proteins. Helps repair damage to DNA from mutations in these two genes. Increases the risk of developing many types of cancer. especially breast cancer and ovarian cancer

BRCA1 gene mutations increase the chance of breast cancer by 55% - 72% and ovarian cancer by up to 44%. BRCA2 gene mutations increase the chance of breast cancer. and ovarian cancer after the age of 70 - 80 years has increased by 69% and 17%, respectively.

The only way to know if you have a BRCA mutation is to have the genetic code tested. This method is extremely important for every woman. Especially if there is a family history of such cancer.

8. Eyesight and hearing examination

Because we only have one pair of eyes and ears in our lives. Regular eye and ear check-ups are therefore very important. Basic eye health examination To check for problems that may occur with the eyes, such as diabetic retinopathy. or as a result of high blood pressure, the occurrence of various types of cataracts such as Glaucoma, Cataract, Pinguecula, Pterygium, etc. All adults should have their eyesight checked every 2 years until they are 60 years old, or they may get checked sooner if they feel that their eyesight has changed. Hearing level test It is a test of the performance of the ears and auditory system to determine hearing levels. Help monitor hearing loss. You should get checked every 10 years and every year when you're 60 years old or older.

9. Skin health check

Skin Analysis using the Complexion analysis photography system identifies the unique skin type of each person. Makes you aware of the true causes of skin problems, advantages, and shortcomings using a high-resolution camera. Makes it possible to analyze the upper layer of the skin and the deeper layers of the skin. You will be able to see the amount of dark spots, red spots, blemishes, freckles, and inflammation of the skin. Width of pores, wrinkles, substances that cause acne on the face, UV Spots, uneven skin tone. It can also tell the actual age of each person's skin. So that the doctor can give advice and direct treatment. Including choosing products that are most suitable for women's skin.

Reference

1. Recommendations for Well-Woman Care Clinical Summary Tables [Internet]. Washington, DC: Women's Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI); 2022 [cited 6 July 2022]. Available from: https://www.womenspreventivehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/FINAL_WPSI_ClinicalSummaryTables_2022.pdf
2. Cleveland Clinic medical professional. Hormones: What They Are, Function & Types [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2022 [cited 30 June 2022]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22464-hormones
3. Colorectal Cancer Screening (PDQ®)–Patient Version [Internet]. National Cancer Institute. 2022 [cited 6 July 2022]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colorectal-screening-pdq