affect your vision? Got diabetes? Go annually.
STD Screening
Who to see: Your gynecologist or GP
Why: Some of the highest rates of STD contraction occur in Black women, including for HIV. More bad news: chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, are on the rise, as is syphilis.
How often: Annually if you’re 24 or younger, or if you’ve had sex with multiple or new partners in the past year, regardless of age. Pregnant? Get screened ASAP.
In Your 30’s…
Thyroid Check
Who to see: Your GP
Why: Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, affects women as much as seven times more than men. Undetected, it can lead to weight gain, joint pain, infertility and even heart disease.
How often: Once every five years starting at age 35.
HPV Test
Who to see: Gynecologist
Why: Two types of HPV cause about 70 percent of all cervical cancers. After age 30, women are less likely to clear the cancer-causing infections.
How often: Request an HPV test with your Pap. If both results are normal, you may not need to be screened for another three years. But no matter how old you are, if your Pap comes back abnormal, ask your doc about getting tested.
Mammogram
Who to see: Radiologist
Why: Black women have higher death rates from breast cancer. This X-ray helps detect changes in breast tissue that can signal breast cancer.
How often: Annually. While a government task force recently changed their recommendation to yearly screenings starting at age 50, the American Cancer Society still urges Black women to start their screenings earlier, and to get a baseline mammogram around 35 (earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer). It may help to get a mammogram when your breasts are less tender, usually during the week right after your period.
In Your 40’s…
Test: Blood Sugar Check
Who to see: Your GP
Why: It’s no surprise that Type 2 diabetes — the most common type of diabetes — is one of the biggest health challenges facing African Americans, especially African-American women. African Americans also have high rates of