Essential Health Screenings Every Woman Should Know About

Preventive care is one of the most powerful tools we have for maintaining good health. As a family medicine physician with a special interest in women's health, I often have conversations with patients about which screenings they need and when. This guide breaks down the essential screenings recommended at different stages of life.

Why Preventive Screenings Matter

Many serious health conditions—including certain cancers, heart disease, and osteoporosis—develop gradually and often without obvious symptoms in their early stages. Screenings allow us to detect problems early when they're most treatable, or even prevent them altogether.

It's important to note that screening recommendations are guidelines based on average risk. Your personal and family history may mean you need screenings earlier or more frequently. That's why a relationship with your primary care physician is so valuable—we can personalize these recommendations for you.

Screenings for Women in Their 20s and 30s

Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear)

Cervical cancer screening should begin at age 21, regardless of sexual history. Current recommendations include:

• Ages 21-29: Pap smear every 3 years
• Ages 30-65: Pap smear every 3 years, OR Pap plus HPV testing every 5 years, OR HPV testing alone every 5 years

STI Screening

Sexually active women under 25 should be screened annually for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Those 25 and older should be screened if they have risk factors. HIV screening is recommended at least once for all adults and more frequently based on risk.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Blood pressure should be checked at least every two years if normal. Cholesterol screening should begin at age 20 if you have risk factors for heart disease, with frequency determined by your results and risk level.

Screenings for Women in Their 40s

Mammography

Breast cancer screening recommendations have evolved. Current guidelines suggest:

• Ages 40-44: You have the option to start annual mammograms. Discuss with your doctor based on your preferences and risk factors.
• Ages 45-54: Annual mammograms are recommended
• Ages 55+: Can switch to every 2 years, or continue annually

If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, screening may need to start earlier and may include additional imaging like MRI.

Diabetes Screening

Screening for type 2 diabetes is recommended starting at age 45, or earlier if you're overweight and have additional risk factors like family history, history of gestational diabetes, or PCOS.

Screenings for Women 50 and Beyond

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screening should begin at age 45 (recently updated from 50). Options include:

• Colonoscopy: Every 10 years
• Stool-based tests (FIT or FIT-DNA): Every 1-3 years depending on the test
• CT colonography: Every 5 years

Each option has pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your preferences and risk factors. The most important thing is getting screened—any of these options is better than none.

Bone Density (DEXA Scan)

Women should have a baseline bone density test at age 65. Earlier screening may be recommended if you have risk factors for osteoporosis, including:

• Early menopause (before age 45)
• Long-term steroid use
• Family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
• Low body weight
• Smoking or excessive alcohol use

Lung Cancer Screening

If you're between 50 and 80 years old with a 20 pack-year smoking history (for example, one pack a day for 20 years) and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, annual low-dose CT screening is recommended.

At Every Age: Don't Forget These

• Skin checks: Annual examination by your doctor if you have risk factors, plus regular self-exams
• Dental visits: Twice yearly for cleaning and oral cancer screening
• Eye exams: Regular exams, especially important after 40 when glaucoma risk increases
• Immunizations: Stay up to date on flu, Tdap, shingles (50+), and other recommended vaccines
• Mental health: Depression screening should be part of routine care

Make Prevention a Priority

I understand that scheduling screenings can feel like one more thing on an already full plate. But investing a few hours in prevention can save you from much more serious health challenges down the road.

If it's been a while since you've had a check-up, or if you're unsure which screenings you're due for, I encourage you to schedule a wellness visit. We can review your personal and family history together and create a personalized prevention plan.