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Important Tests for Women

In addition to screening examinations and tests, regular doctor visits give you and your doctor a chance to review your health concerns, your medical and immunization records, your risk of disease, and to discuss ways to lower those risks. Talk to your family doctor about your risk factors and what tests and exams are right for you.

This information provides general guidelines on screening tests for healthy adults. Your health care provider may recommend more or fewer screening tests, with greater or lesser frequency, based on a variety of factors. When in doubt, talk with your doctor!

Common Tests & Screening Procedures:

CLINICAL BREAST EXAM
Women in their twenties and thirties should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular exam by a health expert preferably every three years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health expert every year.

It might be a good idea to have the CBE shortly before the mammogram. You can use the exam to learn what your own breasts feel like. Learn more.

MAMMOGRAM
Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. While mammograms can miss some cancers, they are still a very good way to find breast cancer. Find more information about the latest advances in mammography at CHRISTUS Hospital here.

BLOOD CHOLESTEROL CHECK
Starting at age 35 for men, and at age 45 for women, have your cholesterol measured every five years or as recommended by your physician. If you’re at high risk of coronary heart disease, your doctor may begin screening at an earlier age. To control your cholesterol level, reduce the amount of fat you eat, and exercise.
When it’s time for your cholesterol test, CHRISTUS Hospital offers convenient medical laboratory testing in several locations in Beaumont and Port Arthur. The staff in our laboratories provides friendly, prompt, personal attention. Learn about our lab locations here.

BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK
A first blood pressure check by age 10. Beginning at age 18, have your blood pressure checked every two years, or as recommended by your doctor. High blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. To control it, lose weight, exercise, eat less sodium, drink less alcohol, don’t smoke and take medicine if your doctor prescribes it.

Medical guidelines state that a normal blood pressure for most adults is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Drug treatment is recommended if your blood pressure is at or above 140/90 mm Hg. For people with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, drug treatment is recommended for a blood pressure level of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

BONE DENSITY MEASUREMENT
Have a bone density test at age 65 or younger if you’re at high risk for osteoporosis. This measurement can indicate decreased bone mass, a condition in which bones are more brittle and more prone to break or fracture easily. This test is quick and painless.
Bone densitometry is offered as an outpatient service at CHRISTUS Hospital. Learn more.

CHEST X-RAY
A chest x-ray is a type of diagnostic radiology procedure used to examine the chest and the organs and structures located in the chest. Changes in the normal structure of the heart, lungs, and/or lung vessels may indicate disease or other conditions. Talk to your physician about making a chest x-ray part of your yearly physical.

COLON AND RECTAL CANCER SCREENING
Colorectal cancer screening guidelines for early detection from the American Cancer Society recommend that beginning at age 50, both men and women should follow one or more of the examination schedules below:

• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every five years. Your physician will examine the lower portion of your colon by inserting a thin, flexible tube called a sigmoidoscope. This procedure usually takes about 15 minutes and requires no sedatives.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test every year. This test chemically check your stool for hidden (occult) blood, which can only be detected through chemical testing.
• Colonoscopy every 10 years. Your physician will examine the entire length of your colon using a thin, flexible colonoscope. This procedure takes about a half-hour and utilizes pain relievers and sedatives to minimize discomfort.
• Colon X-ray (double-contrast barium enema) and digital rectal exam every five years. Your physician injects liquid barium, a solution that looks bright white on X-ray images, into your colon. The barium outlines the inner surface of your colon, allowing the X-ray to detect any irregularities. This test takes about 20 minutes.

Persons with colorectal cancer risk factors (such as a family or personal history of polyps, colorectal cancer or bowel disease) should begin screening procedures at an earlier age and be screened more often.

When your health care provider recommends that you undergo color or rectal cancer screening, you will be referred to a gastroenterologist -- a medical specialist with extensive training in diseases of the digestive tract. Gastroenterologists, commonly referred to as “GIs,” can answer your questions and perform the tests to make a diagnosis. Learn more.

FASTING BLOOD SUGAR TEST
At age 45, the American Diabetes Association recommends that you have your blood glucose level checked every three years. If you have signs and symptoms of diabetes, or if you’re at risk for the disease, your doctor may test you at a younger age or more frequently.

GLAUCOMA SCREENING
Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness that usually doesn’t produce visual symptoms until it has caused significant damage to the optic nerve. Since glaucoma risk rises with age, eyes should be tested at about age 35 and 40, then every two to four years after age 40 and every one to two years after age 60. Those at high risk due to family history should be examined every one to two years after age 35.
The other benefit of glaucoma screening is that your ophthalmologist will have the opportunity to check for other eye problems such as macular degeneration.

IMMUNIZATIONS
Adults need a tetanus/diphtheria booster every 10 years. People 50 or older and others at risk should get a flu shot. Ask your doctor if you need other shots.

PAP SMEAR
An initial Pap smear is suggested at age 18, or after onset of sexual activity. Subsequent Pap smears are recommended every one to three years. After three consecutive annual Pap smears with normal results, you and your doctor may opt for less frequent testing.
Your doctor may order these tests more frequently or add other tests if:

• You’re more than 50 years old.
• You have one or more risk factors such as a family history of a particular disease or you smoke cigarettes.
• You belong to a group with a higher prevalence of a particular disease.
• You request a particular test.

Other Tips for Your Good Health

Don’t smoke or use tobacco. One out of every six deaths in the US can be blamed on smoking. More preventable illnesses are caused by tobacco than by anything else.

Limit how much alcohol you drink. This means no more than two drinks a day. One drink is a 12-ounce can of beer, a four-ounce glass of wine or a jigger (one ounce) of liquor.

Eat right. Heart disease, some cancers, stroke, diabetes and damage to your arteries can be linked to what you eat. Fiber, fruits and vegetables can help reduce your risk of some cancers.

Lose weight if you’re overweight. Being overweight increases your risk for many preventable diseases. A high-fiber, low-fat diet and regular exercise can help you lose weight gradually and help you keep it off. However, if you are more than 100 pounds overweight and have tried and failed to lose weight, or if you suffer from obesity-related health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, joint disease or infertility, you may be a candidate for long-term weight loss surgery. Learn more.

Exercise. To help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, and possibly colon cancer, stroke, and back injury, try to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes, four to six times a week. To help you stay motivated, the CHRISTUS WP Hebert Health & Wellness Center offers over 60 classes each week including step aerobics, cardio interval training, muscle conditioning, yoga, pilates, spinning, senior specific exercise and stretch. Our certified instructors are full of enthusiasm and highly-qualified to instruct a variety of fitness and age levels.

In addition to land classes, a multitude of aquatic group fitness classes are available each week. Our indoor pool is also available to members for lap swimming. The outdoor pool at the Wellness Center is open April through October each year and is the location for our children’s summer swimming lessons. Learn more.

Don’t sunbathe or use tanning booths. Almost all health officials agree that there is no such thing as a healthy tan, but a sunburn is particularly damaging to your skin and may result in pain, swelling, blistering and long-term skin damage, including skin cancer. So it’s best to wear protective clothing and hats (or avoid being in the sun altogether) between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when sunlight is most direct and intense. And always use sunscreen!

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Convenient, free parking is available at all CHRISTUS Hospital—St. Elizabeth and St. Mary locations, and complimentary valet parking is available at St. Elizabeth's main entrance.