Preventive Health Screenings for Women

Know the top health screenings to add to your calendar.

Health is wealth. It’s the key to having the quality of life you want, whatever that means for you. Finding that comfortable place means establishing and maintaining healthy habits including exercise, a good diet and regular health checkups. For women that also means routine health screenings.

Essential screenings that every woman should have include:

Blood pressure: high blood pressure usually has no symptoms and is hard to detect without being measured. High blood pressure increases risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Should be checked at least once every two years, starting at age 20.
• Annual screenings for those over 40.

Cholesterol Check: high cholesterol increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the U.S.

• Once every five years, starting at age 20.
• If at high risk for heart disease or stroke, check more often.

Pap Smears: Examines cells taken from the cervix for changes that may lead to cervical cancer.

• Every three years, starting at age 21.
• Every five years, after 30 years old until 65.

Mammograms: screens for breast cancer.

• Most recent guidelines from U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend every two years, starting at age 50.
• American Cancer Society suggests annual screenings, starting at age 45. Biannually at age 55.
• Women at high risk or with a family history are encouraged to get a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, typically starting at age 30. They should continue to get screened for as long as they are in good health.

Bone Density Screenings: a low-dose x-ray machine captures images of bones to calculate density. Treating bone loss, called osteoporosis, helps prevent fractures and disabilities.

• Starting at age 65, frequency dependent on bone density and other risk factors.

Blood Glucose Tests: checks for diabetes or prediabetes.

• Every three years, starting at age 45.
• For obese patients or with a family history of diabetes, screening may begin earlier and occur more often.

Colon Cancer Screening: screenings can detect precancerous growths in the colon or rectum, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.

• Every five years, starting at age 50.
• Unless a problem is discovered or if you have a greater risk, more often per physician’s recommendation.

Body Mass Index (BMI): This ratio of your weight to height, is used as an indicator of increased risk of health issues including diabetes and heart disease.

• While there are no guidelines on how often your doctor should take measurements, measurements should begin at age 18. Talk with your primary care provider if you have questions about BMI.

Skin Scan: looks for new moles or changes to existing moles, which can be signs of skin cancer.

• You should do home exams often, every month.
• If at increased risk for skin cancer, or a family history, talk to your doctor or see a dermatologist.

Dental Checkups: Dental health mirrors overall health. Regular checkups can spot early signs of decay and other problems. Some studies suggest oral bacteria and inflammation associated with gum disease might play a role in some diseases.

• Adult women should have twice yearly dental check-ups.
• Regular cleanings, examination and x-rays.

Eye Exams: Eyes can be an overall window to your health. Exams can detect serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer. Eye doctors observe and evaluate the health and condition of the blood vessels in your retina, a good predictor of the health of blood vessels in the body.

• Most adults should have a complete eye exam every two to three years.
• More frequent exams if you wear glasses/contacts; family history of diabetes or high blood pressure.

Health screenings keep you informed and engaged in your own well-being. They help spot and identify potentially serious medical conditions early. The key to managing screenings and your day-to-day health needs is having a primary care provider (PCP). A PCP can help you navigate the myriad screenings necessary in reaching and maintaining the lifestyle you want. Your PCP is your healthcare partner. Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group has one of the largest networks of primary care providers in the area.