Doctors say that annual health checkup is not just a medical routine but a sign of responsibility towards oneself. Women often leave themselves behind in everyday responsibilities, but an annual test can change the course of many serious diseases.

Many problems, especially those related to hormonal and reproductive health, remain silent in the beginning. Therefore, the goal is clear: to catch the problems that are hidden in time, to prevent the ones that are emerging and to prevent the risks that may arise. Experts say that some annual checkups make a big difference in women.

Cervical and reproductive health checks are important because cervical cancer can grow without warning for many years. Doctors recommend annual pop test from the age of 21. HPB and STI testing proves useful for sexually active women. Common problems like fibroids, PCOD, cysts and endometriosis can be detected early through pelvic exam and ultrasound.

Annual checkup of breast health is equally important. Clinical breast exam or ultrasound is a better option for young women, whereas after the age of 40, mammography catches even the smallest lumps. Many women postpone testing in the absence of symptoms, while breast-related diseases often grow silently.

Blood tests are considered the cornerstone of women’s health. CBC can detect anemia and infection, TSH can indicate thyroid problems, sugar and HbC1c can indicate early diabetes, and lipid profile can indicate the risk of heart disease. Liver and kidney function are also included in these tests.

Vitamin D and B12 deficiency is very common in women after the age of 30. These deficiencies grow silently and cause problems like fatigue, hair fall, mood swings and bone pain. These deficiencies can be easily identified and corrected through annual inspection.

After the age of 35 to 40, the risks related to heart, bones and metabolism start increasing. Therefore, blood pressure, BMI, waist measurement, urine test, ECG and bone density scan after 40 to 50 are very useful. Women who have a family history of heart disease or cancer are also advised to undergo some additional tests.

In many women, the skin starts looking like an orange peel. The skin becomes rough, redness occurs or a depressed area appears. This change occurs when cancer cells block small tubes under the skin. This may seem like an infection, but it could also be a sign of a more serious condition, so it is important to get checked by a doctor.

Change in nipple is also an early sign. If the nipple suddenly turns inwards, its color or shape changes or rashes and layers start coming off at that place, then it should not be ignored. If a fluid that does not resemble milk comes out of the nipple, such as clear water, blood or pus, it may indicate a problem with the milk ducts and requires immediate examination.

Pain that is not related to periods should also be taken seriously. Some women experience persistent sharp or pricking pain. Pain alone does not confirm the disease, but if pain is accompanied by swelling, nipple changes or skin changes, it is important to consult a doctor.

Swelling in the breast or armpit is also often an early symptom. Sometimes, even without any lump, the lymph nodes near the armpit or collar bone become swollen. This swelling indicates that the cells have reached the lymph tubes, so testing should be done immediately.

If you notice even a slight change in the shape or form of the breast, do not take it lightly. A breast suddenly appearing larger, irregular shape, stretch or depression in the skin, appearance of a new shadow, all these signs can be seen in the beginning itself. Looking at the breasts in different hand positions helps in identifying these changes.

It is very important to recognize these signs because the success of treatment depends on at which stage the disease is caught. Just finding a lump is not enough. Pain, swelling, skin changes or nipple changes are equally important.

The best way to protect yourself is to know the normal appearance of your breasts and take any new changes seriously. If you notice fluid coming from the nipple, skin changes, persistent pain, swelling or difference in shape, contact a doctor immediately. Early detection is the best protection.

The most common cancer among women in India is breast cancer. According to experts, the death rate is also highest due to breast cancer. Therefore, every woman should make it a habit to check herself for breast cancer once a month.

If your age is more than 35 years, then do this test every month after the end of periods. At this time the breast tissues are soft and it is easy to identify any lump or change.

To check breast cancer at home, stand in front of a mirror and look at your breasts carefully. At this time, notice whether there is any change in the shape or size of the breast or whether any stretch or shrinkage is felt on the skin.

Apart from this, see whether the breast nipples are turning inwards or whether the texture like orange peel is appearing on the breast skin. All these can be signs of breast cancer.

To check for breast cancer, feel the breast with light pressure in a circular motion with the tips of your fingers. If you feel lump, swelling or pain in the breast, contact the doctor immediately.

Apart from this, you can easily check for breast cancer even while bathing. While bathing, you can feel a lump or unusual bulge on the breast with your hands.

If you notice any kind of lump, swelling, pain or discharge from the nipple in your breast or armpit, do not take it lightly. This can also be an early symptom of breast cancer.

If you feel any change during the test at home, then you should immediately consult a doctor because breast cancer can be prevented only with early detection.