8 Medical Tests You Should Do in Your 20s and 30s

Our 20s & 30s can be tricky! It is a phase when we have our hands full; looking for a new job, a better house, a decent pay are all that we have in mind, and double all that if you’re a parent! It’s an age where there are so many responsibilities piled up, that visiting a doctor for the minutest of reasons can easily skip the mind. Amidst all these responsibilities, you might think that ‘chai’ is well-suited for your headache instead of a fifteen-minute drive to the doctor’s clinic!

Well, think again! You never know, something that small or seemingly harmless can be an early symptom of something far worse! Early diagnosis is the key to saving time and money in the future, not to mention your health! If you’re in your 20s or 30s, you’re at the right age to get these medical tests to ensure that there is nothing unusual cooking in your body! Note that this article is not to induce fear, but to generate awareness about various health issues that men and women encounter and the importance of their early diagnosis.

Medical Tests For Men And Women in Their 20s & 30s

Here is a list of medical tests that you should definitely be scheduling in your 20s & 30s!

1. Pap Smear Test

Also known as ‘Pap Test’, this is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. The cervix is the opening of the uterus, and this test is to examine the presence of precancerous or cancer cells on the cervix. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that sexually active women should start getting regular pap smears from the age of 21. Cervical cancer is an increasing cause of concern, especially in India, which is why women must get this test at least once every three years.

2. Mammogram

Mammography or mammogram is crucial for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. It is a screening tool used to detect and diagnose breast cancer through low-energy X-rays of the breasts. According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, second only to skin cancer. Women in their late 20s and early 30s should make it a point to get this test done at least once every two years. Get mammography done even if your body displays no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. That’s the whole idea of early diagnosis.

3. Lipid Profile Test

A lipid profile test is a combination of experiments conducted to determine the health of the heart. It is performed to check for risks of coronary heart diseases, or as a preventive measure to assess the risks depending on factors like eating habits, diet, stress, exercise and lifestyle. Lipids are fatty substances stored in the blood and tissues of the body. Even though they help keep the body functioning normally, lipid disorders like high cholesterol might cause life-threatening conditions like strokes and heart attacks. Adults who smoke, follow an unhealthy diet, are overweight or avoid working out should get their lipid profile tested.

4. Blood Sugar Test

As the name suggests, a blood sugar test is done to examine the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. This test is essential to monitor and manage diabetes. Blood sugar testing must be done regularly, because there is a limited range of blood sugar level in which the brain can function normally. Also, when addressed at the right time, controlling the amount of sugar in your blood can help you avoid serious health complications like eye diseases, kidney problems, nerve problems, cerebrovascular diseases such as strokes, and cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, heart failure and high blood pressure. You can use a glucometer to test blood sugar at home.

5. Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a standard test of your urine to detect and manage a wide range of disorders, including kidney diseases, urinary tract infections and diabetes. Doctors examine the appearance, concentration and content of the urine, as abnormal results can point towards a particular illness. In order to check your overall health, urinalysis is recommended as part of your routine medical checkup. Your 20s and 30s are ideal for getting this test. Apart from pointing (or ruling) out health complications, a sample of your urine can help in pregnancy testing and drug screening.

6. Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer is ever-increasing, and statistics state that it is one of the most common types of cancer across the world. To be on the safe side, it is best to keep your dermatologist on speed-dial. Frequent screenings can help detect parts of the skin that are precancerous or might develop cancer someday. Early diagnosis is the key to saving yourself from this wide-spreading disease, so, make skin cancer screening an essential part of your to-do list! It may be the most common kind of cancer, but it becomes a lot easier to treat when diagnosed early.

7. Eye Examination

You might not realise this, but your average screen time has likely increased in the past few years. It is the little things, really – continually scrolling through the apps on your phone, staying glued to your system at work, or endlessly staring at the television. All these factors can take a severe toll on your eyes and can potentially affect your vision in the future, which is why this is the right time to get your eyes tested. An eye examination is a series of tests assessing vision and the ability to focus on and discern objects. Unless you want to spend your late life behind a pair of round, thick pair of glasses, it is best to get an early diagnosis and maintain your eye health. And it’s not just about glasses; routine eye screenings can detect serious health conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and ever cancer!

8. Dental Examination

Oral hygiene is the most neglected, yet, an essential part of our health. As we grow older, our teeth and gums start acting out. Tooth decay, bad breath, stained teeth and gum diseases start taking root, and if not addressed at the right time, your dentist might have to start pulling out these teeth in the near future. So if you’re not looking at spending the last years of your life with a pair of artificial retainers, it’s crucial that you prioritise your dental health and set up routine appointments with your child dentist in your 20s! To keep your gums and teeth healthy, you can also ask your dentist for additional tips on maintaining your oral hygiene.

So there you have it – a list of appointments that you should be scheduling in the coming months! Irrespective of whether you’re a man or a woman, if you’re in your 20s or 30s, make it a point to get your body medically examined on a regular basis. It’s never too late! If you’re gifted with good health, treasure it and do everything in your power to maintain that state. Eat clean, sweat it out, and follow a balanced lifestyle!

Also Read:

Health Problems Women in Their 30’s Should Be Aware Of
Essential Health Screenings for Women
Effective Health Benefits of Panchakarma