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5 tests that women over 30 should do

Halth tips

By RisanPublished 3 years ago 5 min read

After the age of 30, many changes occur in women's bodies. Doctors say that there is an increased risk of problems such as imbalanced hormones, weakened bones, breast and cervical cancer.

According to Globocon 2020 data published by the World Health Organization, breast cancer accounts for 13.5% of all cancers in India. At the same time the incidence of cervical cancer is 9.4%.

A study conducted by the National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP) in India has revealed a significant increase in the number of breast cancer patients over the past few years.

Health experts say that women between the ages of 25 and 50 are most affected by breast cancer and the death rate is high due to not detecting cancer symptoms early.

Apart from this, another major problem affecting women in India is anemia. According to the National Health Survey, 50 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 50 are anemic.

Doctors say that by early detection of the symptoms of the disease, this problem can be overcome.

For that, doctors recommend five tests that must be done by women over 30 years of age.

1. Breast cancer screening test

Mammography: The name of the test used to detect breast cancer

Many women do not recognize the symptoms of breast cancer until the disease is advanced. That's why the death rate is so high, says the WHO. When the disease is advanced, it warns that the chance of survival is only 10 to 40 percent.

According to the WHO, breast cancer can be detected in its early stages by two methods.

To create awareness about breast cancer, to provide training and awareness to women on home breast self-examination procedures.

Diagnosing symptoms of cancer through laboratory tests. An important one is mammography.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts. Through this, it is checked whether the tumors are formed in the breasts. If it is cancer, it can be diagnosed and treated immediately.

WHO recommends that women over the age of 40 should have mammography.

Apart from this, doctors advise women to self-examine their breasts at home every month after menstruation.

"Women should undergo mammography once in three years. Apart from that, women should do breast self-examination at home. Any lump in the breast should be seen immediately," explained Dr. Pratipalakshmi, Assistant Professor, Osmania Medical College.

WHO warns that obesity can lead to breast cancer. Regular monitoring of the breasts, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can largely avert the threat, they say.

2. Cervical cancer screening

Pap smear test: A test done to detect cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in Indian women after breast cancer.

Doctors say that if cervical cancer is detected early, appropriate treatment can be given. Doctors say the best way to do this is through a Pap smear test.

In general, women over the age of 30 should have a Pap smear.

"Some cells are collected from the cervix and examined for signs of cancer or pre-cancerous changes during this test. It is a simple test that takes two to three minutes in the hospital. This test requires no anesthesia and is painless. Every woman between the ages of 25 - 65 has three This test should be done once a year," explains gynecologist Dr Shailaja Sandhu.

HPV vaccination can prevent cervical cancer, says Dr. Pratipalakshmi.

Women should get the HPV vaccine before puberty (ie between the ages of 9 and 25) to prevent cervical cancer. HPV is spread through unprotected sex. So it is better to avoid it. If you have symptoms like leucorrhoea, abdominal pain, bleeding between periods, you should consult a doctor immediately.

Pratipalakshmi said if you experience symptoms like sudden weight loss, anemia and lethargy, you should visit your doctor without delay.

3. Blood cell count test (CBC)

Statistics show that 57 percent of women in India are anemic.

Women experience monthly bleeding during menstruation. Apart from this, hormonal problems can also cause anemia. Doctors say that women should not be indifferent and should pay due attention.

"When women with anemia are pregnant, the baby is born with low weight. After delivery, blood transfusion is often required. The amount of hemoglobin in the red blood cells also decreases, which may cause some damage to the body."

"Drowsiness, fatigue, heart palpitations, leg swelling can also be caused by anemia. Blood pressure can increase and even swelling of the heart can occur, which can lead to death,” said Dr. Pratipalakshmi.

A complete blood count should be done to treat these problems. In this test, blood is collected from the body and the elements in the blood are tested.

● Red blood cell (RBC) count

● White blood cell count (WBC)

● Hemoglobin count

● Hematocrit (percentage of red blood cells in the blood)

● Platelet count

This test can detect anemia and other health problems.

4. Thyroid examination

Thyroid symptoms include weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, and depression.

The thyroid is a gland located in the throat. It produces T3, T4, THS hormones. If this gland is not working properly, you will get sick.

There are two types of thyroid problems. Either underactive or hypothyroidism. Second, excess or hyperthyroidism.

If there is a thyroid problem, the thyroid gland does not produce the hormones that the body needs.

Symptoms of thyroid problems develop gradually. A thyroid test (TFT) should be done as soon as symptoms appear.

Thyroid problems can affect both men and women. But the WHO says women are more likely to get it.

Hormonal changes occur during pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and after menopause. Due to this, the thyroid gland is affected.

Therefore, after the age of 30, doctors advise to have a thyroid test every five years.

When the thyroid problem is severe, the thyroid glands are overproduced. This will cause health problems.

Symptoms of hyperthyroid: Fear, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, insomnia, fatigue, sore throat, high heart rate, tremors, weight loss.

Doctors recommend that serious diseases can be prevented by taking timely thyroid examination.

5. Bone Weakness

In women past the age of 30, bone density decreases. Bones become weak.

Vitamin D and calcium helps strengthen bones. Statistics show that 90 percent of Indian women suffer from vitamin D deficiency.

Women over 40 years of age suffer from osteoporosis after menopause. Once the disease strikes, the bones become weak and brittle.

If this happens, even sneezing and coughing can break ribs and break a bone in the spine, the NHS says.

Women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis, says the WHO. Importantly, those who have gone through menopause before the age of 45 and those who have had a hysterectomy are more likely to develop the disease, says the WHO.

Doctors recommend a blood test to check the level of vitamin D in the body without delay.

Along with this, it is also said that it is necessary to check the calcium level in the blood.

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About the Creator

Risan

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