Women of all ages can improve and maintain their health with annual physical examinations and screening tests. Physical exams and screenings are an important part of good preventive care. Taking care of yourself should be a high priority for you and your family.

Screening is an important step to staying healthy. As you get older, your risk for certain medical conditions increases. Your physician should review your medical history and your family’s medical history to assess your risk for developing certain conditions. It’s also important to get your blood pressure and weight checked and screenings done for diabetes and cholesterol.“Some women may need to get screening tests done earlier or more often if they have certain risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, heart disease or cancer,” points out Rosemarie Leuzzi, M.D., Medical Director of Cooper for Women. “The earlier a problem such as a malignancy is detected, the better the likelihood of an improved outcome.”

Your physician should be your trusted adviser to review your need for screening tests, as well as to talk about nutrition and exercise. Make a list prior to your appointment to remind you to discuss issues at the time of your appointment. Voice your concerns and feel free to ask questions. If you change doctors, be sure to request copies of your old records and testing to bring to your new physician. Your doctor is available to review health issues with you.

We have included a chart to help guide you, listing the various tests and the age at which you should get tested. The chart lists recommended screenings and immunizations based on women at average risk for diseases.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PRINT-QUALITY PDF OF A SCREENING CHART »

“Schedule annual physical examinations with your physician, and follow the guidelines recommended for screening tests,” Dr. Leuzzi says. “It is extremely important to pay attention to your health.”

For more information about Cooper for Women or to make an appointment with a Cooper University Hospital physician at an office near you, please call 1-800-8-COOPER (800-826-6737) to speak with a member of our physician referral and information service.