Catching potential health hazards early can help prevent a chronic illness down the road. Staying on top of screenings and tests is one of the best ways to do that.
Why women's health screening matters
"No matter your age, every woman should get the basics tested," said Patricia McFall Calhoun, MD, a family physician with Baptist Primary Care. "At a minimum, annual screenings should include height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, a tobacco use assessment, a depression screening, and an update of your family history. These basic screenings serve as a barometer of your overall health."
"Many women think that an annual OB/GYN exam means they don't need to see a primary care physician. You should have both because each has a unique perspective and is trained to notice different aspects of your health."
Additional tests to consider
Your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings based on your family history or other risk factors.
"Remember, everyone is different," Dr. Calhoun said. "So be sure to consult your physician about which other individualized screenings are right for you."
The top women's health screenings by age
In addition to the basics, here are some screenings you should have depending on your age.
A women's guide to self-care: Take charge of your health
20s
Breast self-awareness: monthly
Cholesterol screening: at least every 5 years
Mental health screening: talk to your physician
Pap test & clinical breast exam: at least every three years
Routine immunizations
Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing, including HIV and hepatitis C: annually until age 25 and thereafter if at risk; during each pregnancy
Skin exam: yearly
30s
Breast self-awareness: monthly
Cholesterol screening: at least every 5 years
Mental health screening: talk to your physician
Pap test & clinical breast exam: at least every 3 years
Routine immunizations
Skin exam: yearly
STD testing, including HIV and hepatitis C: during every pregnancy and annually, if at risk
40s
Breast self-awareness: monthly
Cholesterol screening: at least every 5 years
Colorectal tests: colonoscopy, DNA test, or fecal occult blood test starting at 45
Mammogram: annually
Mental health screening: talk to your physician
Pap test & clinical breast exam: at least every 3-5 years
Routine immunizations
Skin exam: yearly
STD testing, including HIV and hepatitis C: during pregnancy and annually if at risk
50s
Bone density screening: every 2 years after menopause
Breast self-awareness: monthly
Cholesterol screening: at least every 5 years
Colorectal tests: colonoscopy, DNA test, or fecal occult blood test
Hepatitis C screening: minimum one screening between 18 and 79
Lung cancer screening*
Mental health screening: talk to your physician
Pap test & clinical breast exam: at least every 3-5 years
Mammogram: annually
Skin exam: yearly
Routine immunizations
60s
Bone density screening: every 2 years after menopause
Breast self-awareness: monthly
Cholesterol screening: at least every 5 years
Colorectal tests: colonoscopy, DNA test, or fecal occult blood test
Hepatitis C screening: minimum one screen between 18 and 79
Lung cancer screening*
Mammogram: annually
Mental health screening: talk to your physician
Pap test & clinical breast exam: at least every 3-5 years
Routine immunizations
Skin exam: yearly
70s-90s
Bone density screening: every 2 years**
Breast self-awareness: monthly
Cholesterol screening: at least every 5 years
Colorectal tests: colonoscopy, DNA test, or fecal occult blood test**
Hepatitis C screening: minimum one screen between 18 and 79
Lung cancer screening*
Mammogram: annually
Mental health screening: discuss with your doctor or nurse
Routine immunizations
Skin exam: yearly
*If you are 50 to 80 years old and have smoked a pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10 years or the equivalent (unless you quit smoking more than 15 years ago)
**Health screening should continue as long as you are well and willing to proceed with further workup if abnormalities are detected.
Talk to your primary care doctor
Your primary care physician is your best resource to evaluate your overall health and make referrals for specialists, if needed. If you're looking for a primary care physician who is right for you, call 904.202.4YOU (4968) or fill out the appointment request form.
The recommendation for mammograms is every year beginning when women turn 40. However, your doctor may recommend breast screenings sooner, depending on your family history and genetics.
Pap screenings and clinical breast exam are recommended at least every three years starting in your 20s.
Colorectal tests, including colonoscopy, DNA test, or fecal occult blood test, are recommended starting at age 45 for women. Learn more about genetics and screening.
Bone density scan is recommended every 2 years after menopause. For many women, bone density screening begin in their 50s.
Skin exams are recommended yearly, beginning in your 20s and throughout your life.
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