Preventative Care for Women Under 65

What tests you might expect from your primary care provider...

***Recommendations below are NOT medical advice and should be reviewed with your health care provider

***Your individual risks may require MORE or LESS testing, what is posted below are meant as a guide only

CONSIDER PRINTING THIS PAGE TO REVIEW WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER


Bloodwork

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

Screening for sexually transmitted infections is recommended in those individuals considered high risk


TYPE 2 DIABETES

  • Bloodwork is recommended every 3-5 years for adults at high risk of diabetes (see risk calculator below)
  • Annual diabetes bloodwork is recommended for adults at VERY HIGH risk of diabetes

Risk calculation for diabetes is recommended every 3-5 years and can be done using the CANRISK tool at: https://canadiantaskforce.ca/tools-resources/type-2-diabetes-2/type-2-diabetes-canrisk/


CHOLESTEROL

  • Fasting lipid profile (LDL, HDL, TG, non-HDL) is recommended for men age ≥40 years
  • Earlier screening may be recommended for certain ethnic groups at increased risk (South Asians or First Nations)

All individuals with the following conditions regardless of age should be screened: smoker, diabetes, hypertension, family history of premature cardiovascular disease or hyperlipidemia, erectile dysfunction, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory disease (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease) HIV, COPD, clinical evidence of atherosclerosis or abdominal aneurysm, clinical manifestations of hyperlipidemia or BMI>27

Cholesterol risk assessment can be completed at:

https://myhealthcheckup.com/cvd/?lang=en


Investigations

COLON CANCER

  • For those at average risk of colorectal cancer (no additional personal or familial risk factors), screening for colorectal cancer generally begins at around age 50
  • Stool testing should be used every 1-2 yrs for screening of average risk individuals after age 50
  • Colonoscopy may be appropriate for some individuals and is recommended for any individuals who screen abnormally on stool testing
  • Earlier screening may be necessary for those felt to be at increased risk (ie. family history of colon cancer etc.)


CERVICAL CANCER (PAP SMEARS)

  • Asymptomatic women who have been sexually active at any point in their lifetime should be screened for cervical cancer with Pap tests from age 25-69 every 3 years
  • Women 70 years and older who have had 3 consecutive normal Pap tests in the last 10 years may consider discontinuing screening in discussion with their primary care provider

***Recommendations do not apply to women with symptoms of cervical cancer, previous abnormal results on screening (unless cleared to return to normal screening), those without a cervix, immunosuppressed, or limited life expectancy who require individualized Pap Smear testing schedules***


BREAST CANCER (MAMMOGRAMS)

  • Women aged 50-74 should be screened with mammograms every 2-3 yrs assuming they are average risk (no personal history of breast cancer, no history of breast cancer in a first degree relative, no BRCA 1/2 mutation, and no history of chest wall radiation)
  • Women at higher risk may warrant additional testing


BONE MINERAL DENSITY

  • This test is generally recommended for all beginning at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis and aim to prevent bone fractures, however those at higher risk (https://osteoporosis.ca/risk/#page-2) may need to be screened sooner


Recommended Vaccinations

INFLUENZA VACCINE

  • Healthy persons aged 6months-64 years who do not have contraindications to influenza vaccine are encouraged to be vaccinated ANNUALLY as are most adults (including pregnant women) and children with chronic health conditions


TETANUS VACCINE

  • Routine booster recommended every 10 years recommended assuming primary series already received
  • Adults without a primary series need three doses (at time 0, 1-2 months, and 6-12 months)


MENINGOCOCCUS VACCINE

  • Adults up to and including 24 years of age if not immunized in adolescence should receive 1 dose


HERPES ZOSTER (SHINGLES) VACCINE (≥60 yrs)

  • Shingles vaccine is recommended for those 60 yrs and older and should be considered in those 50-59 yrs old


ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS VACCINE

  • Single dose of acellular pertussis vaccine to all adults who have not received a dose in the past
  • Adults who will be in close contact to young infants should be immunized as soon as possible


VARICELLA (CHICKENPOX) VACCINE (2 doses)

  • Susceptible adults (ie. those who have not had chickenpox) should receive 2 doses
  • Routine lab testing is not advised


HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) VACCINE

  • For the prevention of most types of HPV related cancers, pre-cancerous lesions, and anogenital warts
  • Recommended for women as a single series if between ages 9-45 years


MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA VACCINES

  • 1 dose is recommended for susceptible adults and those born in or after 1970
  • If vaccination is indicated, pregnant women should be immunized AFTER delivery