5. Get Your Breasts Checked
A mammogram, which screens for breast cancer, involves compressing the breast between plates so that X-ray images of the breast tissue can be captured. There has long been disagreement about when and how often a woman should have this test, given that the risk for breast cancer increases as you age, and that false positives from frequent screening can cause some harm.
The most recent guidelines from the USPSTF recommend that women start this screen at age 50 and continue to have one every two years until age 74, the age range when the tests deliver the most benefit. Those 40 to 50 who want to be screened should talk to their physician, the group notes. (The USPSTF is in the process of reviewing and potentially updating this guidance.)
Meanwhile, the American Cancer Society (ACS) says that women should start annual screenings at age 45, and can then switch to a biannual mammogram at age 55. Those 40 to 45 should have the option to screen if they desire, according to the ACS. If you have a family history of the disease, or other concerns, talk to your doctor about the right screening schedule for you.
6. Our Bones Get Weaker as We Age\
Women should screen for the bone-weakening disease osteoporosis with a bone density test starting at age 65. Those with risk factors for osteoporosis, such as a low body weight or parental history of fractures, should talk to their doctor about getting screened earlier. Here, too, the USPSTF notes that this recommendation is under review.
A bone density screen is called a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA scan. You lie on a table while a low-dose X-ray machine captures images of your bones. Although X-ray levels are low, this test does expose a person to some radiation.