Essential Medical Checks for Women
We explore annual health check-ups for women in their 20s, 30s and 40s.
Text: Rebecca Morais
Taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of others
The current global pandemic has had devasting impact on our health. What is more alarming though is that Covid-19 has disrupted standard health services and led more women to forego their normal health screenings. According to a 2021 study by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast and cervical cancer screenings plummeted during the pandemic. CDC Health Scientist and Lead Author of the study, Amy DeGroff, PhD, MPH, said, “They reinforce the need to safely maintain routine health care services during the pandemic, especially when the health care environment meets COVID-19 safety guidelines.”
Health screening is an integral part of preventive care. We speak to Dr Edwin Ong, Founder and Medical Director at RMDY Clinic to get a better idea about why women are still lagging behind on their annual health check-ups, how often health checks should be carried out and what tests are essential for each generation.
How often should women be going for health checks?
According to Dr Ong, women (and men for that matter) should go for health checks annually. In fact, the Ministry of Health, Singapore recommends that health screening is beneficial from the age of 18. The frequency or interval of each type of screening test depends on the specific test. But annual overall health screening is recommended.
The most basic tests include measuring Body Mass Index (BMI) to ensure you’re in the healthy weight range. According to Dr Ong, BMI checks should be done annually to screen for obesity and is appropriate from the age of 18.
Blood pressure measurements should be done once every 2 years to screen for hypertension. Cholesterol and blood glucose screening should be performed once every 1 to 2 years to screen for high cholesterol and diabetes respectively.
Are women educated on the need for preventive care action?
According to Dr Ong, there can be increased awareness of preventative care amongst women. “Over the last few years, I have seen more women taking a greater interest in enhancing their health and overall wellbeing. However, in general, I still do not think it’s common practice for most people in Singapore to act proactively when it comes to preventive care. Most women also do not have in-depth knowledge of the exact screening tests and age recommendations for each condition. For example, in my practice, I often encounter female patients who know that they need a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer, but are unsure what age they should start and how frequent the testing should be done.”
Why do you think many women put off looking after their health?
Dr Ong highlights a few common reasons:
· Thinking that health check-ups are unnecessary as they are seemingly healthy with no obvious symptoms
· Time crunch as they are busy with work or family commitments. Many women choose to prioritise their kids and family over themselves and in doing so often end up neglecting or undervaluing their own health
· Concerns about medical costs
· Apprehension about actually discovering potential issues and reality of being diagnosed with a health condition
· Aversion to needles when drawing blood and discomfort with more invasive procedures, such as pap smear
A group of young women
Dr Ong also shares fundamental health screening tests and checks for women across all age groups.
In their 20s:
Aside from blood glucose and cholesterol levels, it is recommended to check on major organ functions such as the liver, kidney and thyroid, and a haematology screen for your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
A urine microscopy test screens for the presence of blood, protein, infection and crystals, among others.
Women who have had sexual intercourse should undergo a Pap smear once every 3 years from the age of 25 onwards. This test can detect precancerous cells in the cervix.
Routine screening for sexually transmitted infections is also recommended if any of these apply to you:
· You have had a new partner in the past 3 months
· You have had more than one partner within the past 12 months
· You engage in unprotected sex
· You have a previous history of STIs
In their 30s:
Routine screening tests for diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, major organ function, urine microscopy, STIs, etc. should become a routine.
Thirties are the most common reproductive years. Women planning their pregnancies may want to focus on pre-conception and fertility checks. Tests include screening for thalassemia, female hormone levels, ovarian reserve, and rubella antibody status.
With respect to cervical cancer, women are recommended to switch from Pap smears to HPV testing once every 5 years after the age of 30. While a Pap smear detects precancerous cells in the cervix, a HPV test looks for the presence of high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for up to 80% of cervical cancer cases. Better yet, you may opt to do both tests together once every 5 years (known as co-testing).
Breast cancer screening is not necessary yet in your 30s, however, if there is a family history of breast cancer, you may want to consider starting your screening earlier.
There are different health risks at different age groups
In their 40s:
Routine screening should be scheduled in your 40s as chronic health scares like diabetes and high cholesterol are far greater.
Vaccinations taken in earlier age might also not be as effective. Blood tests are recommended to check your antibodies and booster shots should be administered if there is low immunity for added protection.
Risk of breast cancer is also sadly higher amongst women in their 40s. Annual mammograms are recommended from the age of 40.
A faecal occult blood test checks for the presence of blood in the stool, which may signify gastrointestinal issues such as haemorrhoids, gastric/intestinal ulcers, or colorectal cancer.
Giving birth and breastfeeding are intensively draining that tap heavily on calcium reserves. All mums should consider early screening for osteoporosis by scheduling a bone density test, especially if you have entered into menopause.
A pelvic ultrasound scan can screen for abnormalities of the female reproductive system such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and cancer.
We agree with Dr Ong that the best defence for holistic health is regular screening. We hope we’ve inspired you to nudge your mums, sisters, friends, and most importantly yourselves to schedule your preventative health screening today. Live a long, happy, healthy, and fabulous live!
About RMDY
RMDY is a medical and wellness clinic focused on preventive care through holistic and integrative solutions that encompass lifestyle, dietary and medical considerations.
Traditionally, visiting a clinic and seeing a doctor is associated with being sick and requiring curative healthcare instead of preventive care. RMDY wants people to visit them even if they think they are well. RMDY’s goal is to empower a new generation of health-conscious, wellness-driven people by giving them more efficient ways to achieve their health aspirations.
RMDY’s holistic approach helps you view your health from a “macro” instead of “micro” perspective. As every patient is different, customized treatment plans are proposed based on the severity and complexity of health conditions coupled with the patient’s unique lifestyle, needs and expectations.
Address: 451 Joo Chiat Rd, #02-10 Katong Point, Singapore 427664.
For more information on RMDY Clinic visit https://www.rmdyclinic.com/
Dr Edwin Ong
About Dr Edwin Ong
Dr Edwin Ong obtained his Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, and Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine and has over a decade of experience. He is a member of the College of Family Physicians Singapore and Society of Men’s Health Singapore.
Dr Ong tailors health-care recommendation to suit his patients distinct needs and embraces a holistic approach when outlining a treatment plan. Immersing his skills as a doctor and empathy during challenging time, Dr Ong combines both effectiveness of modern science and emotional wellness to find the best solutions.
