Sarah Moyer, MD, MPH, physician executive and healthcare quality leader at Humana
Credit: Matthew Putney/AP Images for Humana Inc.
Senior athletes know that good performance starts long before game day. You track your miles, your reps and your recovery, but preventive care is part of preparation, too. There are two screenings that are easy to postpone, even for dedicated competitors: a bone density test and a mammogram.
Before you head to Tulsa, talk with your doctor about whether these screenings are right for you. Here’s what to know about each:
Bone Density Screening
Senior athletes spend countless hours building strength, balance and endurance. But bone health is just as important as muscle health, especially as we age.
A bone density test can help you understand the strength of your bones before a fracture occurs. Many people assume they would know if they had osteoporosis, but bone loss often develops silently over time. Knowing your baseline gives you the opportunity to take action.
Whether that means adding more resistance training, improving nutrition, incorporating bone-building exercise strategies, or discussing medication options with your physician, there are effective ways to protect and strengthen bone health. The earlier you know your status, the more options you have.
A bone mineral density test, also called a DXA or DEXA scan, takes about 10 minutes, uses a very low-dose X-ray and is safe and painless. Medicare covers a screening bone density test every two years, making it an easy addition to your preventive care plan. A DXA scan can help you and your doctor create a personalized strategy to keep you active, independent and competing for years to come.
Mammograms
One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Yet according to the CDC, nearly 4 in 10 women ages 40-49 and 1 in 5 women ages 50-74 haven’t had a mammogram within two years. That’s concerning since women in their 60s and 70s have higher rates of breast cancer diagnosis.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women receive a screening mammogram every other year from ages 40 through 74. Regular screening can help detect breast cancer earlier, often before symptoms develop, when treatment may be more effective and outcomes are better.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball
If you’ve been putting off your next mammogram, you’re not alone. Many people have concerns that may keep them from getting screened, but it’s important to separate myths from facts:
- “No one in my family has had it.”
Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. Family history matters, but it’s only one piece of the picture. - “I’ve heard it’s uncomfortable and even hurts.”
A mammogram takes 10 to 15 minutes and uses very low radiation. Some women experience temporary discomfort, but most find it manageable. If you’re concerned, let the technologist know so they can help make the experience as comfortable as possible. - “I can’t afford it, and I’m not sure if my insurance covers it.”
Most plans, including Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans, cover screening mammograms without a copay. Follow-up diagnostic mammograms may have costs, so check your plan. - “I’m afraid of what they’ll find.”
That’s a common concern. But screening is about giving yourself more options. Finding breast cancer early often means more treatment choices and better outcomes.
Your Pre-Games Checklist
Training for Tulsa doesn’t stop at the track, on the court or in the swimming pool. The goal isn’t simply to avoid injury or illness. It’s to stay strong, active and do the things you love for years to come.
A bone density test and a mammogram are two simple ways to invest in your long-term health and performance. Talk with your doctor about whether they’re right for you and add them to your 2027 game plan.
Check out the links below to learn more about these tests and how to schedule screenings.
This blog is brought to you by Humana, Presenting Sponsor of the 2027 National Senior Games.