LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Ladies, when it comes to our health it's easy to have more questions than answers.
You may be wondering how frequently you need a pap test or mammogram.
And this morning, Dr. Kay Chandler with Cornerstone Clinic for Women joins "Today's THV This Morning" for more.
Here are the basic prevenative tests women should get according to Yahoo! Health.
1. Mammograms - Nationwide cancer organizations differ on when women should get their first mammogram. The American Cancer Society says 40-years-old while the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force says 50-years-old. Either way, get tested annually starting at age 40, and earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer. Get your first exam 10 years earlier than the age of your relative at the time of her diagnosis. So say your mother got diagnosed at 50, get your test at 40.
2. Breast self-exams - These tests are fast and free and can help prevent breast cancer. Most lumps in younger women are caused by benign cysts, but there are no absolutes. Become familiar with the normal changes in your breasts by examining them monthly in the days just after your period. For instructions, visit cancer.org.
3. Pap smears - The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says women should get their first Pap smear, a screener for cervical cancer, at age 21, with follow-up tests every other year until they turn 30.
4. High cholesterol - For adults 20 and older, a total cholesterol exam in the form of a simple blood test can assess your risk of heart disease.
5. Under- or over-active thyroid - Test your thyroid every two years if you are over 35 or show symptoms. An under-active thyroid can lead to weight gain and an over-active thyroid can indicate an autoimmune disease.
6. Chlamydia and gonorrhea - This test is done by a cervical swab. These STDs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease. Get tested annually if you are under 25 and sexually active, or older with multiple partners.
7. HPV - There is a new test that uses DNA to detect the sexually transmitted infection in women over 30. It is tested at the same time as your Pap smear.
8. Blood pressure - This can be an early indicator of heart disease and kidney failure. Get tested every two years if your readings are normal, or every year if they are abnormal.