Age-Based Screening Recommendations For Women

We have provided the table below (available under “Learn More”) to give some guidelines for routine screening. Realize that different organizations may have different guidelines and recommendations may vary between organizations. This information is gathered from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health and the American Cancer Society.

Remember that recommendations for cancer screening will vary based on your personal and family history.

 

Screening Test Ages 18-39 Ages 40-49 Ages 50-64 Ages 65+
REPRODUCTIVE
Pelvic Exam Yearly beginning with the onset of sexual activity Yearly Yearly Yearly
STD testing Both partners should be tested for STDs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse. Both partners should be tested for STDs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse. Both partners should be tested for STDs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse. Both partners should be tested for STDs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)Vaccine Up to age 26, if not already completed vaccine series; discuss with your doctor or nurse.      
Pap smear Start at age 21 Discuss with your doctor or nurse. Discuss with your doctor or nurse. Discuss with your doctor or nurse.
Gonorrhea & Chlamydia testing Yearly until age 25 if sexually active and with new sexual partners. Any time you have a new partner Any time you have a new partner Any time you have a new partner
BREAST        
Self breast exam Optional beginning in your 20s Optional, but recommended so that you can alert your provider to changes. Optional, but recommended so that you can alert your provider to changes. Optional, but recommended so that you can alert your provider to changes.
Clinical breast exam At least every 3 years starting in your 20s Yearly Yearly Yearly
Mammogram Only if you have a history of breast cancer in a first degree relative prior to the age of 50 Every year Every year Every year
BONE      
Bone density screen Discuss with your doctor or nurse. Discuss with your doctor or nurse. Get a bone mineral density test at least once. Talk to your doctor or nurse about repeat testing.

Please visit the following websites for additional information:

Breast Cancer: Early Detection