Even if you feel healthy, it is important to receive recommended health screenings regularly so you and your doctor can screen for medical issues and help you avoid health problems in the future. Different tests are recommended for women based on their age. Be sure to call your doctor when you are due for your health screenings!
- Screenings Recommended for Women Ages 20-29
- Blood Pressure: At least every two years.
- Cervical Cancer: Beginning at age 25, primary HPV test every 5 years (preferred), HPV test and Pap test every 5 years, or Pap test every 3 years.
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Yearly through age 24 if you’re sexually active. Thereafter depending on your risk factors.
- Cholesterol: Every 4 to 6 years.
- Screenings Recommended for Women Ages 30-39
- Blood Pressure: At least every two years.
- Cervical Cancer: Primary HPV test every 5 years (preferred), HPV test and Pap test every 5 years, or Pap test every 3 years.
- Cholesterol: Every 4 to 6 years.
- Diabetes: At least every 3 years, starting at age 35.
- Screenings Recommended for Women Ages 40-49
- Blood Pressure: At least every two years.
- Breast Cancer: Mammogram every year, starting at age 45.
- Cervical Cancer: Primary HPV test every 5 years (preferred), HPV test and Pap test every 5 years, or Pap test every 3 years.
- Cholesterol: Every 4 to 6 years.
- Colorectal Cancer: Starting at age 45. Talk to your doctor about screening options.
- Diabetes: At least every 3 years.
- Screenings Recommended for Women Ages 50-59
- Blood Pressure: At least every 2 years.
- Breast Cancer: Mammogram every year until age 55. Mammogram every 2 years starting at age 55.
- Cervical Cancer: Primary HPV test every 5 years (preferred), HPV test and Pap test every 5 years, or Pap test every 3 years.
- Cholesterol: Every 4 to 6 years.
- Colorectal Cancer: Talk to your doctor about screening options.
- Diabetes: At least every 3 years.
- Screenings Recommended for Women Ages 60-69
- Blood Pressure: At least every 2 years.
- Breast Cancer: Mammogram every 2 years.
- Cervical Cancer: Women who have been screened regularly and had normal results can stop screening after age 65.
- Cholesterol: Every 4 to 6 years.
- Colorectal Cancer: Talk to your doctor about screening options.
- Diabetes: At least every 3 years.
- Osteoporosis: Start at age 65; thereafter depends on your risk factors.
- Screenings Recommended for Women Ages 70+
- Blood Pressure: At least every 2 years.
- Breast Cancer: Mammogram every 2 years.
- Cervical Cancer: Only if you had serious cervical precancer in the past 25 years.
- Cholesterol: Every 4 to 6 years.
- Colorectal Cancer: After age 75, talk to your doctor about screening options.
- Diabetes: At least every 3 years.
- Osteoporosis: Depends on your risk factors.