The top three causes of death among women are heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Heart disease is the number one killer of American women and, in fact, more women die of heart disease each year than do men. Cancer is the second leading cause of death, with lung cancer being the top cancer killer among American women followed by breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Stroke is the number three killer of American women. Each year, 30,000 more women than men have strokes.
The second annual National Women's Check-Up Day, Monday, May 10, 2004, marks the start of National Women's Health Week, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This nationwide observance is to promote awareness of the measures women can take to prevent fatal and debilitating illnesses. According to HHS, maintaining regular check-ups, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and following general safety rules are five health habits for improving women's health.
To participate in National Women's Check-Up Day, women should schedule appointments with their existing health care providers or contact one of the participating local community health centers, hospitals, or other health care providers to schedule check-ups and screening services that day. Screening tests, such as mammograms and Pap smears, can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat.
Some women need certain screening tests earlier, or more often, than others. During their check-ups, women should discuss with their health care professionals which of the tests are right for them, when they should have them, and how often. Women should consider the following screening tests:
- Mammograms every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40
- Pap Smears every 1 to 3 years if sexually active or are older than 21
- Cholesterol Checks regularly, starting at age 45 (If a smoker, diabetic, or if heart disease runs in the family, cholesterol checks should start at age 20)
- Blood Pressure checked at least every 2 years
- Colorectal Cancer Tests starting at age 50
- Diabetes Tests if diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Depression Screening should be discussed with doctor if feeling "down," sad, or hopeless with little interest or pleasure in doing things for 2 weeks straight
- Osteoporosis Tests should start at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones); if between the ages of 60 and 64 and weigh 154 lbs. or less, testing should be discussed with doctor Chlamydia Tests if age 25 or younger and sexually active—if older, discuss testing with doctor; also, discuss testing for other sexually transmitted diseases with doctor