Many moms spend their days taking care of everyone else, but their own health often falls to the bottom of the list.
A recent survey found 75% of women with children at home say it’s hard to make their own health a priority. And 24% are skipping routine screenings because they didn’t know they were necessary or important.
But experts say missing routine screenings can mean missing early warning signs of serious disease. When many cancers are caught early, before they spread, survival rates can be over 90%.
National Women’s Health Week starts May 10, a reminder for women to put their health first.
“We have to stress regular checkups; we have to stress routine screening,” said Dr. Brian Slomovitz, a gynecological oncologist at Broward Health.
Experts say routine screenings can save lives.
For women at average risk, mammograms should start at age 40 and be done every other year until age 74, cervical cancer screenings should begin at age 21 and colon cancer screenings should start at age 45.
“We also recommend women to have a physician breast exam beginning or the end around age 25 on an annual basis,” said Dr. Thomas Samuel, an oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Florida.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. That’s why experts say women should also have regular blood pressure checks and heart health screenings.
Blood tests can also help doctors check for conditions like thyroid disorders, hormone changes and high cholesterol.
Doctors say women in their 40s and 50s, especially those going through perimenopause, should pay close attention to their blood tests.
As estrogen levels decline during menopause, research shows women can face higher risks of heart disease and changes in cognitive health.
Lastly, see your primary care provider at least once a year. They’ll help you stay on top of your screenings and your health.