When it comes to monitoring your health, women often face more complexities than men. In addition to having to account for factors like childbirth and menopause, many common health conditions affect women differently.

That's why it's important to be proactive about your health so that you can avoid issues down the road. Health screenings - as well as when to start and how often to get them - are paramount.

Know when to get what checked!

The guidelines below apply to healthy women in the general population. You should work with your doctor to determine the right plan of care based on your medical history, family history, personal preferences and lifestyle, and your physician's advice.

  20-39 40-49 50+
Every 3 years X    
Every 2 years   X  
Every year     X

 

Regardless of your age, you should have your blood pressure checked every year.

Screenings for cholesterol, diabetes, kidney or thyroid function, etc.

  20-39 40-49 50+
Every 3 years X    
Every 2 years   X  
Every year     X

You should receive your tetanus booster shot every 10 years regardless of age.

Colon Cancer (screenings should start at age 50):
  • Colonoscopy = every 10 years
  • Hemocult Test = every year
  • DNA Test = every 3 years
Breast Cancer (screening should start at age 50):
  • Mammogram = every other year [The Society of Breast Imaging recommends that patients wait 4 to 6 weeks after their last COVID-19 vaccine to get their screening mammogram.]

*Please note: Based on age, family history and other risk factors, your doctor may recommend mammograms be started earlier and/or done more frequently.*

Cervical Cancer
  Age
Every 3 years 21-65
Every 5 years with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing alone 30-65
Every 5 years with hrHPV testing + cytology 30-65
Lung Cancer
  Age
Every year for adults who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years 55-80

(Discontinue screening once a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that limits life expectancy or the ability/willingness for curative lung surgery)

This screening should be performed for postmenopausal women aged 50+.

These screenings are performed by self and include breast, skin and oral exams. These should be performed monthly at any age.

All sexually active adults considered at risk - regardless of age - should be screened for syphilis, chlamydia, HIV and other STDs with physician supervision.

Primary Care Providers

If you need help finding a primary care provider, please call: (304) 388-6699