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Health screenings for women

National Women's Health Resource Center

Last update: February 18, 2008 - 5:52 PM

Women can manage and monitor their health with the following regular checkups:

Eye exam

When: At least once from ages 20-29; at least twice from 30-39, then every two to four years until age 65, then annually.

What for: To test vision and screen for glaucoma and macular degeneration.

HEARING TEST

When: Beginning at age 18, once every 10 years until 50, then once every three years.

What for: To make sure you're hearing all that life has to offer.

DENTAL EXAM AND CLEANING

When: Once a year; twice is better.

What for: To remove plaque and bacteria leading to gum disease; check for mouth and tongue cancer.

THYROID TEST

When: Every five years after age 35.

What for: To identify an under- or over- active thyroid, which if untreated can lead to more serious conditions.

SKIN EXAMS

When: Every three years after age 20; annually after age 40.

What for: To track worrisome moles and identify skin cancers.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

When: Every two years.

What for: Identifies hypertension.

CHOLESTEROL SCREENING

When: Every five years after age 35; begin at 20 if you have a family history of heart disease, if you smoke or have diabetes.

What for: Treating cholesterol abnormalities helps reduce your risk of heart disease.

MAMMOGRAM

When: Annually after age 40.

What for: To identify possible early signs of breast cancer.

CLINICAL BREAST EXAM

When: Every three years for women in 20s and 30s; annually for those 40 and over.

What for: To identify cancers that mammograms can't detect.

FASTING PLASMA GLUCOSE TEST

When: Every three years after age 45; more often if overweight or at risk for diabetes.

What for: Provides early warning sign of high blood sugar levels, which increase diabetes risk.

PAP TEST AND PELVIC EXAM

When: Three years after beginning vaginal intercourse, but no later than age 21. Annually until age 30, then every two to three years if you've had three consecutive normal tests. Other risk factors may affect frequency.

What for: To screen for abnormalities that could indicate pre- or early cervical cancer.

COLONOSCOPY

When: Every 10 years after age 50.

What for: To identify (and remove) precancerous polyps or early cancers.

STOOL GUAIAC TEST

When: Annually after age 50 if you do not get other colorectal cancer screening tests.

What for: Tests for blood in the stool as an early warning sign of colon cancer.

RECTAL EXAM

When: Every five to 10 years.

What for: To identify (and remove) pre- cancerous polyps or early cancers.

BONE DENSITY SCREENING

When: At least once after age 65; earlier depending on risk factors for osteoporosis.

What for: Identifies bone loss problems early to prevent further bone loss.

Reprinted from the National Women's Health Report. Vol. 29, No. 5., 2007. National Women's Health Resource Center Inc.

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