As a woman reaches her 60s, it’s time to start thinking about a full physical exam. What medical tests do you need at this age? Read on to learn about eye exams, Colonoscopy, Mammogram, and skin cancer. You can also get an annual eye exam if you’re over 60. Your doctor can also check for signs of age-related macular degeneration and other diseases, like vision-robbing retinopathy.
Here are the top eight medical tests you need at the age of 60.
1. Skin cancer
What medical tests do women need at 60 for their skin? According to the American Cancer Society, women should examine their skin monthly, looking for new or changing moles that could be signs of skin cancer. If you have had several sexual partners, you should have a skin exam at least once a year. In addition, you should practice sun safety. A dermatologist can give you guidance about how to protect yourself from the sun.
2. Colonoscopy
During her golden years, every woman over 60 should have a colonoscopy. Early detection is crucial in the battle against colorectal cancer, which is highly treatable. While a digital rectal exam detects masses in the anal canal, colonoscopies allow a physician to see the entire rectum. During a colonoscopy, sedatives are given to the woman through an IV, making her unconscious. Most people don’t remember the procedure, though.
3. Mammogram
As women approach their sixties, they often wonder: What medical tests do women need at sixty? While the American Cancer Society recommends routine mammograms for healthy women, other tests can be more invasive and have associated risks of pain, infection, bleeding, and infection. For this reason, many women decide to forgo them. According to Dr. Ariel Green, an assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University, women should get mammograms every two years or as recommended by their health care providers.
4. Eye exam
If you’re a woman approaching your 60th birthday, you should schedule an eye exam to check your vision. Your eyesight may begin to deteriorate after a certain age, but your lifestyle and genetics might also contribute to poor vision. Getting an eye exam regularly is one of the most important preventative medicine procedures you can get. It doesn’t have to be scary. And your doctor will do all of this in a relaxing environment.
5. Thyroid test
If you’re a woman over 60, your doctor will likely recommend a thyroid test for you. Thyroid disease affects about 10 percent of the population, but symptoms aren’t always easy to spot until symptoms are more severe. Women should consult with their doctor if they experience symptoms such as constipation, difficulty sleeping, or fatigue. A doctor can check your thyroid hormone levels by administering a blood test and conducting a neck exam. You should also get regular blood tests to determine how healthy your thyroid is. You’ll also want to discuss any symptoms that you’re having with your doctor, as they vary according to age and treatment.
6. Pap smear
A Pap smear is a basic health test for women. Abnormal cells found in the Pap smear can be precancerous or squamous cells. It also identifies cancer-promoting viruses called HPV. If abnormal cells are found, additional diagnostic testing may be required to rule out cancer. Pap smear results are often the first step to detecting any potential problems.
7. Vitamin D levels
Many health experts recommend that women over age 60 get their Vitamin D levels checked to determine if they have adequate levels of the essential nutrient. But, the current scientific evidence on vitamin D levels is mixed. While it is not clear whether or not vitamin D supplements are helpful for osteoporosis, low levels may cause bone problems. In addition, vitamin D may be an important risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, and multiple sclerosis.
8. Mammograms
Mammograms for women at 60 are not a routine procedure. Instead, women should depend on their own health to determine how often they should have the procedure. In good health, a woman can live another ten years after her last mammogram. Moreover, early detection of breast cancer is crucial to a successful recovery. Hence, the benefits of mammograms for women at 60 should be weighed against the risks.
