Well Women Health
Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician — dedicated to compassionate, modern women’s healthcare in Mohali. Dr. Sarita Malik
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Preventive health for Women
All women should opt for a well woman check, even if they are not really facing any medical problem. In a well woman check, the gynecologist includes
Rubella vaccination
T dap Vaccine
Protect Your Health with Timely Vaccination
Vaccination plays an important role in preventing serious infections and cancers. Timely immunization helps protect women at every stage of life, including pregnancy.
Influenza Vaccination
- Routine influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone above 6 months of age during the influenza season (October – March).
- It is recommended for pregnant women after the first trimester to protect both mother and baby.
Influenza vaccination reduces the risk of severe flu-related illness and pregnancy complications while providing additional protection to newborn babies.
HPV Vaccine
HPV Vaccine protects against Cervical Cancer and Genital Warts.
- The target age for vaccination is 11–12 years for both girls and boys.
- Children younger than 15 years require 2 doses given 6 months apart.
- Bivalent, Quadrivalent and 9-Valent vaccines are recommended for females aged 9–26 years.
- Quadrivalent and 9-Valent vaccines are also recommended for males aged 9–26 years.
- The 9-Valent HPV Vaccine is recommended by ACIP and was licensed by the FDA in December 2014 (currently not available in India).
- Provides high protection against HPV strains 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58, preventing high-grade cervical lesions.
- Maintains strong antibody levels against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18.
Early Vaccination Saves Lives
Getting vaccinated at the recommended age significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer, influenza-related complications, and other preventable diseases. Speak to your gynecologist to know which vaccines are right for you and your family.
Prevent Cervical Cancer Before It Starts
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. The good news is that it is one of the most preventable cancers with timely vaccination, safe practices, and regular screening.
How to Prevent Cervical Cancer?
- Stop smoking.
- Always use barrier contraception (condoms) for protection.
- Get HPV Vaccination between 9–45 years.
- Complete 3 doses over 6 months.
- If younger than 15 years, only 2 doses are required.
- HPV vaccination should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Have a regular Pap Smear Test for early detection.
Why is Pap Smear Important?
Pap Smear is a routine screening test performed by a gynecologist in the OPD. It is a simple, painless, and highly effective test that helps detect cervical cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most successful.
Regular screening together with HPV vaccination offers the best protection against cervical cancer and significantly reduces the risk of developing advanced disease.
Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
Regular Pap Smear screening helps detect abnormal cervical cell changes before they develop into cancer. Early screening saves lives and allows timely treatment.
Less than 21 Years
- Pap Test: No routine Pap smear required.
- STD Testing: Recommended yearly if sexually active.
Age 21 – 29 Years
- Pap Smear every 3 years if sexually active.
- Regular gynecological check-ups are recommended.
Age 30 Years & Above
- Pap Smear every 3 years.
- HPV Co-testing every 5 years if you wish to lengthen the screening interval.
Benefits of Regular Screening
- Detects cervical abnormalities early.
- Improves treatment success.
- Reduces the risk of cervical cancer.
- Supports long-term women's health.
Annual Pap Testing is Recommended If
- High risk for cervical cancer (HIV infection, organ transplant or long-term steroid use).
- Positive High-Risk HPV.
- History of High Grade Cervical Dysplasia (CIN 2, CIN 3 or CIS).
- Previous hysterectomy for pre-malignant conditions or cervical cancer.
A Pap Smear is a simple, painless outpatient procedure that can detect cervical cell changes before cancer develops. Timely screening combined with HPV vaccination offers the best protection against cervical cancer.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Regular breast examinations and mammography help detect breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective and outcomes are significantly better.
Self Breast Examination
- Every woman should perform a self breast examination once every month.
- Check both breasts and the armpit area after your menstrual periods.
- Recommended from the age of 20 years.
- Report any lump, skin changes or nipple discharge immediately.
Clinical Breast Examination
- Breast examination by a gynecologist every 3 years between 20–35 years.
- After the age of 35 years, yearly examination is recommended.
- Regular clinical examinations help detect abnormalities early.
Mammography
- Mammography is a specialized X-ray of the breast.
- It is the most important screening tool for breast cancer.
- Generally recommended after the age of 40 years.
Benefits of Screening
- Detects cancer before symptoms appear.
- Improves treatment success.
- Reduces complications.
- Provides peace of mind through regular monitoring.
International Screening Recommendations
ACOG
- Mammography should be offered annually beginning at age 40 years.
AAFP
- Below 50 years – Individualized based on patient risk.
- Age 50–74 years – Mammography every 2 years.
Royal College (UK) / NHS
- Routine screening every 3 years between 50–70 years.
- Women above 70 years may continue screening on request.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Monthly self-examination, regular clinical breast examinations and timely mammography are the best ways to detect breast cancer early and improve treatment outcomes.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer Risk
Ovarian cancer is a relatively rare cancer but is often diagnosed at a later stage because early symptoms are usually mild. Knowing your risk and undergoing regular evaluations can help with early detection.
Important Facts
- Ovarian cancer is uncommon but often diagnosed late.
- Its incidence is approximately 5.4–8.0 per 100,000 population.
- Regular gynecological examinations are important for women at increased risk.
Who Is at High Risk?
- Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
- First-degree relative with ovarian cancer.
- Family history of hereditary ovarian or breast cancer.
Recommended Screening
Pelvic Examination
There is no routine screening test for the general population. Annual pelvic examination is recommended for women at high risk.
CA-125 Blood Test
An annual CA-125 blood test may be advised for women with increased ovarian cancer risk.
Ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasound may be recommended every 2 years for selected high-risk women.
Women with a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer should discuss genetic counselling and individualized screening plans with their gynecologist. Early evaluation and regular follow-up can help identify potential problems sooner.
Lung Cancer Screening
Smoking remains the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. Early screening helps detect disease before symptoms appear.
Screening
- Annual Low Dose CT Scan for eligible smokers.
- Recommended if 30-pack-year smoking history.
- Continue until 15 years after quitting smoking.
Prevention
- Quit smoking as early as possible.
- 90% of deaths are preventable by quitting before 40.
- Avoid smokeless tobacco and alcohol.
Colon Cancer Screening
When?
- Begin screening from age 50.
- Earlier if high-risk or family history.
Screening Options
- FOBT every year.
- Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.
- Colonoscopy every 10 years.
Bone Health & Osteoporosis Prevention
BMD Test
- Age above 65 years.
- Previous fracture.
- Family history.
- Low BMI.
- Premature menopause.
Risk Factors
- Smoking & Alcohol.
- Vitamin D deficiency.
- Steroid medicines.
- Arthritis & Thyroid disorders.
Prevention
- Exercise 30 min, 4 days/week.
- Calcium 1000–1200 mg/day.
- Vitamin D 400–1000 IU/day.
Heart Disease Prevention
Annual Health Check
- BMI & Blood Pressure.
- Cholesterol.
- Triglycerides.
- Diabetes Screening.
Healthy Lifestyle
- 150 min exercise/week.
- Healthy diet.
- Quit smoking.
- Limit alcohol.
- Medication if advised.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
Regular health check-ups, timely vaccinations, cancer screening, and a healthy lifestyle are the best ways to protect your long-term health. Schedule your preventive health consultation with our expert gynecologist today.
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