Pelvic exam
How it works: The Pap smear is when a small sample of cells is scraped from a woman’s cervix during a pelvic exam. After that, those cells are then examined under a microscope to detect any cancer-related changes.
Why you need it: A pelvic exam can check the state of your uterus and cervix, ovaries, and rectum. You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for a rectal exam because having your stool checked for blood is a good idea.
While this may sound embarrassing, it’s also part of a healthy routine at this stage in your life. A regular Pap test to analyze the cells of your cervix to diagnose changes that could signal cervical cancer is one of the top recommended health screenings for seniors.
