Sexually active women above the age of 18 should be getting papa smears every two years. Abnormalities in the reproductive system can be easily detected with a physical exam, which have come a long way since they were first introduced. Pap smears are so advanced now that even pre-cancerous cells can be picked up early on and then treated and removed before it becomes life-threatening.

High LDL (also known as bad cholesterol) can increase the chances of heart disease. Ideally, cholesterol screenings should be assessed every five years for anyone over the age of 45. If you have a history of heart attacks, stroke, diabetes or high blood pressure, repeat the test yearly. Your doctor can easily check your cholesterol levels by conducting a simple blood test. The average level is below 200 milligrams per deciliter for total cholesterol.

Having a physical examination is the best way to detect breast cancer. Check your breasts for any lumps at least once a month but make sure you’re not on your period. Additionally, women between above 50 should have a mammogram every two years. If in doubt, your GP can help to show you the proper technique for self-examination.

Look at your body in front of a full length mirror to check for signs of skin cancer. These include abnormalities such as moles or freckles that have gotten bigger and darker over time. If you see lesions that have a jagged edge and are multi-colored or raised, then it’s time to book an appointment with a dermatologist so she or he can further assess any problems.

Fact: women are more susceptible to age-related eye disease. Two-thirds of those who experience vision loss are female. Eye conditions do not usually have obvious symptoms aside from mild discomfort and sometimes blurred vision. That’s why it’s so important to get regular exams done by an optometrist. They can detect, diagnose and treat eye problems that can contribute to blindness or vision impairment.

A bone density test involves a quick X-ray that measures the amount of calcium in your bones. How often you should get tested varies from woman to woman based on risk factors and family history but as a general rule, women over the age of 65 should get yearly check-ups. While, those who have a slender frame or have fractured a bone in the past usually have a higher risk of contracting osteoporosis and can get screened earlier.