You may skip a screening due to a busy schedule or because you’re unsure of what to do next. Providers may assume that their patients understand the purpose of some of these basic tests, but patients should feel empowered to ask questions about what their provider is recommending and why.
Taking an active role in your health includes staying informed and keeping up with routine care. A focus on preventive health care can help identify, detect, and manage health concerns early, before they become more serious or difficult to treat.
Below are some key recommendations for women’s health at every age, and a checklist to keep you on track all year long, for a healthy life.
Prioritize Prevention
Women may delay or skip preventive screenings for a variety of reasons, including uncertainty about how tests work, fear of results, or not knowing what happens next. That’s why open communication with your trusted provider is so important. Patients should feel empowered to ask questions and better understand what’s recommended and why.
These conversations create shared understanding, helping patients feel more confident taking the next steps while allowing your provider to tailor care to their individual goals and preferences.
Stay current with regular checkups and screenings because early detection can lead to better outcomes. Here’s a helpful checklist to follow:
General Health at All Ages
- Well-woman visit with a primary care provider or OB/GYN (annually)
- Blood pressure check (annually)
- Cholesterol screening
- Annually if there are concerns
- Every five years for low-risk individuals
- Immunizations
- Flu vaccine (annually)
- Tdap (every 10 years)
- COVID-19 vaccine (per CDC guidelines)
- HPV vaccine (ages 11 to 26, and in some cases up to 45)
- Shingles vaccine (after age 50)
- Pneumonia vaccine (after age 50, based on risk and provider guidance)
Reproductive & Sexual Health
- Pap smear (every 3 to 5 years, or more frequently if needed)
- STI screening (annually for those under 25 who are sexually active, or based on risk)
- Prenatal and preconception care (when planning for pregnancy)
Cancer Screenings
- Breast Cancer
- Clinical breast exam (every 1 to 3 years in your 20s and 30s)
- Mammogram (beginning between ages 40–50, depending on risk factors)
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Cancer screening every 3 to 5 years, or more frequently if indicated
- Colorectal Cancer
- Begin screening at age 45
- Colonoscopy every 10 years, or as recommended
- Lung Cancer
- Screening for adults ages 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history
Bone & Joint Health
- Osteoporosis screening starting at age 65, or earlier if risk factors are present
Mental & Emotional Health
- Annual depression screening
- Perinatal mental health support during pregnancy and postpartum
Metabolic & Hormonal Health
- Blood glucose/diabetes screening starting at age 35 (earlier if high risk)
- Menopause counseling when appropriate
Learn more about Pardee BlueMD and schedule a primary care appointment with a provider near you to create a plan that reflects your needs, preferences, and health goals so you can feel confident in every stage of life.
