Preventive Screenings Every Woman Should Know About

Why Preventive Screenings Matter

Preventive screenings are medical tests performed on people who may have no symptoms but are at risk for certain conditions. By detecting disease early — or identifying risk factors before illness develops — screenings give both patients and clinicians a meaningful opportunity to intervene. For women, a set of condition-specific screenings is recommended across different life stages, covering everything from reproductive health to cardiovascular disease and bone density.

This article offers a general educational overview of screenings that are commonly recommended for women. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Your healthcare provider is the right person to help you determine which screenings apply to you, based on your age, health history, and individual risk factors. For a broader look at how screening priorities shift over time, see our decade-by-decade preventive care overview.

Key Screenings to Discuss With Your Provider

The following categories cover the screenings most commonly recommended for women by major public health organizations. Frequency and starting age vary — always confirm current guidelines with a qualified clinician.

Cervical Cancer Screening

A Pap smear (also called a Pap test) checks cells from the cervix for abnormal changes that could indicate precancer or cancer. HPV (human papillomavirus) co-testing is often included, since persistent HPV infection is the primary driver of cervical cancer. Guidelines from organizations such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) generally recommend starting Pap testing at age 21 and repeating every few years, with specifics depending on age and prior results.

Breast Cancer Screening

Mammography uses low-dose X-ray imaging to look for tumors or abnormalities in breast tissue, often before any lump can be felt. Recommendations on when to start and how often to screen vary across major medical organizations, which is why a conversation with your doctor about your personal risk profile — including family history — is essential.

Bone Density Testing

A DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan measures bone mineral density to assess risk for osteoporosis and fracture. The USPSTF recommends screening for women aged 65 and older, and for younger postmenopausal women whose fracture risk equals that of a 65-year-old white woman with no additional risk factors.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among women, yet it is often under-recognized as a women's health issue. Blood pressure checks and lipid panels (cholesterol tests) are foundational. These two screenings work together to paint a picture of cardiovascular risk — learn more in our companion piece on blood pressure and cholesterol screening.

Diabetes Screening

Blood glucose or HbA1c tests can identify prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. The USPSTF recommends screening adults aged 35–70 who are overweight or have obesity. Women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy may face elevated long-term risk and should discuss follow-up testing with their provider.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screening — whether via colonoscopy, stool-based tests, or other approved methods — is recommended for most adults starting at age 45 by the USPSTF. This applies to women as well as men. For a structured, age-grouped view of these and other screenings, see the health screenings checklist for adults.

Mental Health Screening

Depression screening is recommended for the general adult population, including women. Certain life stages — including pregnancy, the postpartum period, and perimenopause — are associated with elevated mental health risks. General mental wellness is an important complement to physical screening; you can explore more through our mental wellness hub.

This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider to determine which screenings are appropriate for your personal health situation.