Remember the old adage: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? It is important for women to take care of their health by taking advantage of the benefits that preventative health screenings can offer. Preventative health screenings for women can help you get a jump on health issues with tests that allow you to be proactive instead of reactive.
Whether you're in your 20s, 70s, or anywhere in between, here are some preventative health screenings and wellness tips women can use to stay strong and healthy, no matter their age.
Recommended Health Screenings for Women by Age
Making time for routine checkups and health screenings is a key step women can take to maintain good health. Plus, some tests can help identify certain diseases in the early stages when they're easier to treat. But which tests should you take and when should you schedule them?
Below are some important women's health screenings, blood tests, medical tests, and vaccinations that adult women from their 20s to their 60s and beyond should consider. Keep in mind that health screenings for women may vary in frequency and timing based on your family history, lifestyle factors and any new symptoms that develop.
Women in their 20s and 30s
Moved off your parents' insurance? Finally landed your own place? Maybe thinking about starting a family? This is an ideal time to start developing a relationship with a primary care physician. Having a trusted health professional who you are comfortable talking to and is familiar with your health history can make it easier to stay on top of preventive screenings. Screening tests for women at this life stage focus mainly on biometric screenings and early detection of preventable diseases.1
Here are health screenings in your 20s and 30s you may want to consider:
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer may be detected early by a Pap test which tests for precancerous cells on the cervix or an HPV test which tests for the human papillomavirus that can cause cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer.2 Either can be performed during a well-woman exam or gynecology appointment. Early detection is key as it can increase the chance of recovery.2
How often: According to the American Cancer Society, women age 25-65 should have a primary HPV test performed every five years or aPap test performed every three years.3
Breast exam
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death for women in America. A mammogram is the most common screening method for breast cancer, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screenings may be a more suitable option for women with dense breast tissue, as well as those who have a higher risk of breast cancer due to genetic changes or family history.4
How often: Women should conduct monthly breast self-exams. Additionally, yearly screenings by your clinical provider can help catch breast cancer early and allow for treatment. Although yearly mammograms often are not recommended for most women under age 40, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend a mammogram earlier.1
Vaccinations
Vaccines are an easy and convenient way to protect yourself against various common and communicable diseases. A few to consider are the COVID-19 vaccine, a flu shot and a tetanus booster.
How often: Flu vaccines are recommended annually while a tetanus booster should be updated every 10 years.5
Sexually transmitted diseases
Testing for sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can help prevent you from spreading the disease to other sexual partners.
How often: If you are sexually active, annual testing is recommended for STDs.6
High blood pressure/hypertension
Blood pressure screenings can identify high blood pressure — also known as hypertension — a condition that can lead to heart disease and strokes.7
How often: Blood pressure should be checked every two years for most women.1
High cholesterol
Cholesterol screenings can identify plaque in your arteries, another condition that can lead to heart disease.7
How often: Cholesterol screenings for women should be done every five years, or more frequently if you have a family history or signs of heart disease.1
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes screening involves fasting for about eight hours to test your blood sugar level for diabetes or even prediabetes.8
How often: While diabetes testing usually is recommended for individuals 45 and over, if you have risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, are overweight or physically inactive or have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, your healthcare practitioner may recommend getting tested in your 30s.8
Skin cancer check
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and skin cancer screenings can easily be performed in the comfort of your own home with good lights and a mirror.9 Following the American Cancer Society skin check guidelines can help you become aware of your own personal pattern of moles, freckles and blemishes so you can know if and when they change.
How often: Although there are no set guidelines from the American Cancer Society, many practitioners recommend doing monthly skin checks — especially for those at higher risk. Scheduling an annual full-body skin cancer check with your dermatologist is also a good way to help learn how to perform a skin check and have a professional document and identify any skin changes or new growths in the early stages.9
Mental health screening
When scheduling your health screenings, don't forget about mental health screenings as well. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, while 75% of mental health conditions begin by the age of 24, the average length between initial symptoms and treatment is 11 years.10
Early diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues can help avoid health-related complications, improve an individual's quality of life and reduce future costs to the healthcare system.10
How often: Although there is no industry standard for mental health screenings, you should consider reaching out for evaluation whenever you are feeling “off" for an extended period of time or annually during a wellness exam.10
Dental exam
During a dental exam, a dentist or dental hygienist will examine your teeth, cheeks, tongue and gums for decay, disease, cancer or other oral health concerns.11
How often: Unless you have specific oral issues, most adults will benefit from dental exams twice a year to keep teeth and gums healthy, and check for oral cancer.1
Eye exam
An eye exam consists of various tests to check the health of your eyes and your vision.
How often: Between the ages of 20 and 39, an eye exam should be completed every five to 10 years or more frequently if you notice a change in your vision, have contact lenses or have been diagnosed with certain eye conditions that may warrant more frequent screenings.1
Women in their 40s and 50s
Once you enter your 40s and 50s, risk factors for conditions like heart disease and diabetes can increase — although you may not notice any symptoms.12 This makes health screenings all the more valuable. Even if you feel fine, this is an important time to still schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.
Yours 40s and 50s are key times to focus on heart health which includes paying close attention to diet, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. Women also frequently undergo hormonal changes during this stage as well which can impact bone health and metabolism.13
Health screenings for women in their 40s and 50 include all of the screenings in the previous category in addition to these additional screenings:
Shingles vaccines
Even if you've had the chicken pox virus as a child, you can still get shingles as an adult. To help protect yourself, consider the shingles vaccine.14
How often: The shingles vaccine is available to those at or over 50.13
Bone density screening
Osteoporosis or bone density screenings measure bone strength and can detect osteopenia — a precursor to osteoporosis that can often be addressed with diet and exercise to prevent it from progressing.15
How often: Family history, fracture history and body type play a key role in when bone density testing is recommended. Talk to your doctor about when to start this screening.13
Colon cancer screening
Once you hit 50, talk with your healthcare provider about starting colon cancer screenings such as a stool test, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. These can provide early detection of colon cancer to allow for faster treatment.
Although colonoscopies are considered the gold standard for testing, the procedure itself isn't always convenient or pleasant. Ask your doctor about getting prescribed an at-home colon cancer screening option that can make it easier — and more likely — that you'll test.16
How often: The frequency of colon cancer screening depends on the screening method used. Stool tests should be performed annually, sigmoidoscopy every five years or a colonoscopy every 10 years.13
Glaucoma screening
In addition to routine eye exams, glaucoma screenings are recommended in this life stage if you are at a higher risk of the condition.13
How often: Glaucoma screening should be performed every one to three years, or annually if you have diabetes.13
Lung cancer screening
Individuals who are over the age of 50, have a history of smoking 20 packs or more a year and still currently smoke or have quit in the last 15 years, should be screened for lung cancer.13
How often: An annual lung cancer screening is recommended for those who meet all three criteria.13
Women age 60 and older
During this stage of life, staying physically and mentally active is key for overall health and well-being. Women's health screenings at this time should include all of the medical tests above, plus those listed below. Most women can stop pap smears if they don't have a history of cervical cancer.17
Pneumonia vaccines
Although pneumonia can be mild, severe cases of it can be life-threatening. Those 60 and up can help protect themselves from pneumonia with a two-part vaccination treatment.18
How often: Two vaccinations, a year apart, are recommended.18
Memory testing
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, there is little benefit to completing memory testing if an individual is not showing symptoms. Age-related memory changes are normal during this phase of life, so it can be difficult for a memory screening to differentiate between expected and usual decline.19
How often: Although regular screening is not recommended, contact your healthcare provider if you notice you are suffering from sudden changes or a rapid decline in your cognitive abilities.20
Hearing test
Hearing loss can be more common during this life stage.21 If you notice that you have difficulty hearing conversations, schedule a hearing exam to help diagnose the issue.
How often: Hearing tests can be performed as needed if you experience difficulty hearing.17
Preventative Health Tips for Women
Scheduling routine checkups and screening tests with your doctor and seeing specialists as needed — like cardiologists, gynecologists and dermatologists — are important steps to maintaining good health. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any changes to your body and ask about recommended screenings to keep you healthy and feeling your best at any age.22
5 ways to protect your physical health
If you've been falling behind in any of the areas below, consider what motivates you to be the healthiest version of yourself. Then, focus on the approach that works best for you, so you'll be more likely to stick with it.
- Get moving. Exercise (including cardio and weight-bearing) is one of the most important preventative steps you can take to protect your health, bones and mind. Build regular workouts into your routine to help prevent osteoporosis and heart disease, and also boost your mood.
- Eat well. Eating well-balanced meals can help provide your body with the vitamins, minerals and fuel it needs to stay strong and fight off infection.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is an important component of decreasing your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and heart disease. While a healthy weight differs from person to person, knowing what the healthy range is for you is key.
- Get enough sleep. Getting enough shut-eye is important for maintaining both your physical and mental health. For help falling asleep, put your digital devices away and turn to calming activities a few hours before bedtime, like reading or listening to relaxing music.
- Reduce stress. Stress can negatively impact your health and even contribute to physical issues like heart disease. To help alleviate stress, start by identifying the triggers and situations that create the most stress in your life so you can create a plan to better manage them. Reach out to your support system or seek help with a mental health professional if you continue to feel overwhelmed.22
4 ways to support your mental health
Taking preventative steps to protect your mental health is just as important as those for your physical health. Here are four ways to help support your mental health:22
- Be grateful. Record your thoughts and feelings in a journal, including expressing gratitude and other positive self-thoughts.
- Build your support system. Build a support network that includes family, close friends and work colleagues.
- Give back. Help others by volunteering with a favorite charity or getting more involved in your local community.
- Enjoy the present. Focus on the moment by giving your full attention to people and activities.
CareCredit Financing for Women’s Health Screenings
Remember that preventative care through regular checkups with your general physician and seeing specialists as needed — like gynecologists, dermatologists and mental health professionals — are key components of women's health care. You can use your CareCredit credit card* for health screenings, lab work, doctor visits and medications at hundreds of thousands of healthcare providers and retail locations nationwide. Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a preventative care provider near you.
Author Bio
Kate Bayless is an experienced health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody, and OpenFit.