Women’s Health Screenings by Age: Your Preventative Care Checklist
Preventative screenings can help you stay ahead of illness. For women, they’re crucial for detecting conditions like breast cancer, cervical cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis when they’re more treatable. Regular checkups and age-appropriate screenings give you the knowledge and insight you need to make confident decisions about your health.
Read on for a breakdown of the most common screenings by age and why they matter.
Screenings for Women in Their 20s
Your 20s are a time for building healthy habits and laying the foundation for long-term wellness. Routine screenings during this decade help establish a baseline and support early detection of infections, reproductive concerns and other issues that may not present symptoms yet. Even if you feel fine, those screenings can play a major role in prevention.
Common screenings include:
- Annual pelvic exams and Pap smears starting at age 21 to check for cervical cancer
- Blood pressure checks during routine visits
- HPV vaccination if not completed during adolescence
- STI testing based on lifestyle and risk factors
What to Watch for in Your 30s
In your 30s, health screenings continue to focus on prevention but begin to account for new life phases, such as family planning and signs of hormonal shifts. This decade may bring more conversations with your provider about fertility, stress-related symptoms and subtle health changes. Being proactive now can help you avoid complications later.
Screenings to consider:
- Fertility evaluations or preconception counseling if you plan to get pregnant
- Thyroid function testing if symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes and hair loss are present
- Diabetes and cholesterol screenings based on family history, lifestyle and other risk factors
Health Screenings in Your 40s
Your 40s are often a time of transition, so it becomes even more important to monitor changes in your body. Screenings like mammograms typically begin during this decade, along with more routine checks for heart health and metabolic shifts. Staying consistent with those exams allows you to spot warning signs early.
Recommended exams may include:
- Annual or biennial mammograms to screen for breast cancer
- Baseline cholesterol and diabetes screenings
- Continued Pap smears and HPV testing every three to five years
Your 50s
Health screenings in your 50s are essential for maintaining wellness as your body ages. You may experience menopause during this time, which can bring about new health considerations related to hormones, bone strength and metabolism. Preventative care focuses on detecting chronic conditions early and supporting long-term quality of life.
Key screenings include:
- Colonoscopy starting at age 45 or 50 to detect colon cancer
- Regular mammograms to monitor breast health
- Bone density testing (DEXA scan) if you’re at increased risk for osteoporosis
- Hormone checks to manage menopause symptoms
Screenings for Women in Their 60s and Beyond
If you’re 60 or older, ongoing preventative care will play an important role in preserving your independence and mobility. You may manage multiple health concerns at this age, so regular screenings help monitor changes and guide care adjustments. It’s also a good time to assess your vision, hearing and balance to prevent injury and support day-to-day wellbeing.
Recommended screenings include:
- Ongoing mammograms, colonoscopies and Pap smears as advised by your provider
- Annual bone density tests to monitor osteoporosis risk
- Vision and hearing exams to detect changes that could affect safety or communication
- Fall risk assessments to help prevent injury and maintain mobility
Take Charge of Your Health One Screening at a Time
It’s easy to put off checkups when life gets busy. But just scheduling your annual physical or talking with your OB/GYN, can move you in the right direction. Preventative screenings empower you to take control, catch concerns early and feel more confident about your care.
At Wood County Hospital, we provide comprehensive women’s health services for every stage of life. From fertility support to mammography to menopause care, our expert team is here to listen, answer questions and support you every step of the way.
Call (419) 352-8427 to schedule an appointment with a women’s health specialist.