In this four-part series, we are examining the ways preventative health care and services can help catch illnesses early while they’re still treatable, and the way Medicare health insurance plans can help with managing health care expenses. So far, we’ve delved into Medicare Plan B’s Coverage and the most important types of preventive screening for men.
Women also stand to benefit from preventative screening. For most women, and indeed most Americans, two-thirds of health care costs involve the treatment of chronic illnesses, and that number increases to 95% among older populations, according to the State of Aging and Health in America.
Mammography
Breast cancer is one of the top killers of women in America. A mammography is the most common method of detecting early stage cancer, using an X-ray to examine for any irregularities. In women between 65 and 74 years old, these tests have been shown to reduce the number of cancer-related deaths.
Cervical Cancer Screening
The most common test associated with cervical cancer is known as the Pap test, which is performed on a sample of cells from the cervix to test for abnormalities. While it is optional to stop Pap tests after the age of 65 if you have no history cervical dysplasia or cancer and have consistently tested negative in your previous tests, it is always a good idea to discuss your decision with a doctor as some surveys indicate that they are still beneficial.
Human Papillomavirus Testing
Human Papillomavirus is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. It is so common that almost everyone who is sexually active will become infected with one of the more than a hundred types of HPV known today. Testing for HPV even among senior women with no history of cervical issues has proven to be a lifesaver, as Pap tests alone miss up to 40% of precancerous lesions.
While women benefit from many of the same tests as men, there are specialized preventive screenings that can have a dramatic effect on the health of senior women. Hopefully, our guide has helped you understand these procedures. In the fourth and final installment of this series, we will be talking about preventive services for special populations.
