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Screening tests for women

Find out which tests you should get in each decade of life.

Screening tests can help you find and head off health problems early. Keep reading to find out which tests women should get in each decade of life.

Note: This information is intended as a general guide. Talk to your doctor for details on what types of tests you need and when to get them.

20s—Recommended tests:

• Blood pressure. Every year.
• Beginning at age 25, primary HPV test every 5 years (preferred), HPV test and Pap test every 5 years, or Pap test every 3 years.
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Yearly through age 24, if you're sexually active. Thereafter depending on your risk factors.
• Cholesterol. Every 4 to 6 years.

30s—Recommended tests:

• Blood pressure. Every year.
• Cervical cancer. Primary HPV test every 5 years (preferred), HPV test and Pap test every 5 years, or Pap test every 3 years.
• Cholesterol. Every 4 to 6 years.
• Diabetes. At least every 3 years, starting at age 35.

40s—Recommended tests:

• Blood pressure. Every year.
• Breast cancer. At age 40, ask your provider about getting regular mammograms.
• Cervical cancer. Primary HPV test every 5 years (preferred), HPV test and Pap test every 5 years, or Pap test every 3 years.
• Cholesterol. Every 4 to 6 years.
• Colorectal cancer. Start at age 45. Talk to your doctor about screening options.
• Diabetes. At least every 3 years.

50s—Recommended tests:

• Blood pressure. Every year.
• Breast cancer. Regular mammograms.
• Cervical cancer. Primary HPV test every 5 years (preferred), HPV test and Pap test every 5 years, or Pap test every 3 years.
• Cholesterol. Every 4 to 6 years.
• Colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about screening options.
• Diabetes. At least every 3 years.

60s—Recommended tests:

• Blood pressure. Every year.
• Breast cancer. Regular mammograms.
• Cervical cancer. Women who have been screened regularly and had normal results can stop screening after age 65.
• Cholesterol. Every 4 to 6 years.
• Colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about screening options.
• Diabetes. At least every 3 years.
• Osteoporosis. Start at age 65; thereafter depends on your risk factors.

70+—Recommended tests:

• Blood pressure. Every year.
• Breast cancer. Regular mammograms. Talk to your doctor about your screening schedule.
• Cervical cancer. Only if you had serious cervical precancer in the past 25 years.
• Cholesterol. Every 4 to 6 years.
• Colorectal cancer. After age 75, talk to your doctor about screening options.
• Diabetes. At least every 3 years.
• Osteoporosis. Depends on your risk factors.

VISIT THE WOMEN'S HEALTH TOPIC CENTER FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW WOMEN CAN STAY HEALTHY.

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