Pap smears can be done every 3 years if you have a history of normal screening. Women 30 to 65 will have a pap smear along with HPV test every 3 years.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and affects 75 – 80% of men and women, causing genital warts and cervical cancer. A woman under the age of 30years with a + HPV (high risk strain) will most likely have normal Pap smears in the future without any treatment. HPV in this age group tends to go away on its own. Women aged 30-65years that have a + HPV of the high-risk type are more likely to develop dysplasia or pre-cancer cells in the next few years even if the Pap is normal. If you have a history of having an abnormal Pap smear you will need more regular screening. HPV is the direct link to abnormal Pap smears and increasing the risk of cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine and divorced women, something to consider. The HPV vaccine is recommended for women and men under the age of 26yr. Its clear more studies are needed in the older age groups but I definitely think it’s worth having a conversation with your healthcare provider to consider the vaccination. Many of my patients opt to get the vaccine just in case there is some protection from this epidemic and contagious virus with minimal risk from the vaccine. Be pro-active and aski your health care provider if it’s something to consider.
Fertility: Discussing fertility testing and family planning is important to mention in your 30’s. But if you are in your 40’s the time is NOW to make a decision about your fertility. If you are single and are not even thinking about future fertility, the conversation of egg freezing is timely. Educating yourself on your fertility options has to be made a top priority if you want to use your own eggs to ultimately become pregnant with your own DNA in the future.
Breast cancer prevention: Discussing a healthy and colorful diet, limiting weekly alcohol intake, regular weekly exercise, controlling your weight and getting adequate levels of vitamin D are lifestyle habits to be encouraged beginning in your 30’s…and being reminded in your 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.
Breast Cancer Screening: Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 year women so early detection is key. Mammogram testing begins at age 40year and continues every 1 to 2 years depending on your history and risk factors. Discussing a healthy and colorful diet, limiting weekly alcohol intake, regular weekly exercise, controlling your weight and getting adequate levels of vitamin D are lifestyle habits to be encouraged beginning in your 30’s…and being reminded in your 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Doing self-breast examines is also an important monthly habit you should start doing.
Heart Health Screening: Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in women. 1 in 4 women die from this common disease. If you have any complications associated with pregnancy such as hypertension of pregnancy (Pre-eclampsia), pre-term labor, gestational diabetes and small for gestational age are high risk for heart disease. Have a conversation with your internist to discuss if additional testing such as an EKG or Stress Echocardiogram is necessary. Another important test includes a cholesterol screening/lipid profile which should be done yearly. Checking blood pressure, fasting glucose levels and checking body weight is also vital to avoid being at risk for hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
Ovarian cancer “screening”: This highly lethal cancer tends to be diagnosed in late-stages as a result of symptoms slow to occur. Women who are high risk for ovarian cancer, including those with a family history or test positive for Br Ca 1 and 2 mutations, Ashkenazi women with a single-family member with breast cancer before age 50 or with ovarian cancer, should have transvaginal pelvic ultrasounds and Ca 125 blood tests done every 6 months to one year along with pelvic examinations.
Melanoma and other skin cancers can be detected by seeing a dermatologist for a mole check yearly. It can be challenging to know the difference between a “beauty mark” and an abnormal skin change.
