Athens, Ga. (May 23, 2024) – As simple or as quick as health screenings or exams can be, they can be life-saving measures for your long-term health. 

Screenings are important in identifying if you’re at risk or have any health conditions you may not know about to help increase your chance of better health outcomes.

“In terms of screenings, we know that they prevent mortality for that specific condition that we're screening,” said Pia Milde-Papadopoulos, M.D., an internal medicine physician with Piedmont Physicians at Athens Prince Avenue. “We have observational studies that have been conducted through the years showing that.”

With heart disease being the leading cause of death in women in the U.S.—approximately 1 in every 5 female deaths in 2021, per the CDC—physicians recommend heart and hypertension screenings every year for women 40 years old and up. 

“It's the number one cause of death for women over 50, so the time to pay attention to heart disease is prior to that so that you can temper the risk factors,” said Dr. Milde-Papadopoulos. “The best thing to do is to identify and control your risk factors before you hit your 50s.”

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) also recommends heart screenings for younger adults at increased risk for hypertension, such as smokers, persons with high-normal blood pressure, physical inactivity, persons with a family history of heart disease or hypertension, or persons who are overweight or obese.

“I think it's really important to choose a primary care physician at some point in your 30s and develop that relationship,” Dr. Milde-Papadopoulos said. “If you discuss your risk factors with your doctor, they're going to individualize a plan for you. What are your risks, and what's the best way to take care of you as a person?” 

Women should also get regular screenings for cancer, the second leading cause of death in women. 

In particular, breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women. However, early mammogram exams have been found to increase the life expectancy of women if breast cancer is detected early. Piedmont recommends screenings every year for women ages 40 and older.

“Providers started really encouraging mammogram screening in the 1980’s, and as a result, we have seen a reduction in mortality in breast cancer, so, as providers and doctors, we encourage that,” said Dr. Milde-Papadopoulos. “And obviously, the more that patients participate, the more of a difference we make with that.”

With increases in the number of diagnoses in women in recent years, physicians also recommend:

• A pap smear every three years is recommended for women ages 21 to 65 to screen for cervical cancer (more frequent for abnormal pap smears).
• Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) screenings for women ages 45 to 75. Physicians and patients can consider a variety of factors in deciding which test to use and the frequency of screening.

Additional screenings for various diseases may be recommended by physicians for women based on certain risk factors, such as family history and lifestyle choices. Having a primary care provider can help you determine what’s best for your long-term health.

“Choose a primary care provider that you feel like you can trust and can have a good conversation and relationship with, and get an individualized plan for you that keeps you healthy,” Dr. Milde-Papadopoulos said. “Find that primary care provider, get that relationship, and get the plan.”