Taking care of your health means more than just going to the doctor when something feels off—it means being proactive. Regular health screenings are one of the best ways to catch concerns early, stay on top of your well-being, and feel confident in your body at every age.
Whether you're in your 20s or well into your 50s and beyond, here's a breakdown of the most important routine screenings every woman should prioritize—and why they matter.
The Top Screenings Every Woman Needs by Age
In Your 20s: Laying a Strong Foundation
Your 20s are all about establishing healthy habits that will carry you through life. Even if you feel great, this is a crucial time to get in the habit of seeing your doctor regularly.
Recommended Screenings:
- Blood pressure check – Every 1-2 years if normal; more often if elevated
- Pap smear – Start at age 21 (or by age 25 if you’ve never been sexually active); every 3 years if results are normal
- Chlamydia & gonorrhea screening – Annually for sexually active women under 25
- HPV vaccine – If not already completed by 26
- Skin check – Monitor moles and sun damage, especially if you tan easily - learn more about skin health
- Mental health screening – Don’t ignore stress, anxiety, or depression
Doctor’s note: Now is a great time to build a relationship with a primary care provider who knows your personal and family history.
In Your 30s: Reproductive & Preventive Health in Focus
Balancing work, relationships, and possibly motherhood, your 30s are often full and fast-paced. Prioritizing your own health is essential—even if it means carving out time for that check-up you’ve been putting off.
Recommended Screenings:
- Pap + HPV co-test – Every 5 years starting at 30 (or Pap every 3 years)
- STI screenings – Based on risk factors and symptoms
- Blood pressure & cholesterol check – Especially if you have a family history
- Blood sugar test – Especially if you’re planning pregnancy or had gestational diabetes
- Breast exam – know your breasts! Regular self monitoring
- Mental health & sleep – Ongoing check-ins with your doctor
- Fertility discussions – If you're planning or delaying pregnancy
Doctor’s tip: If you’ve had a baby, be sure to keep up with your own postpartum and annual exams—not just baby visits!
In Your 40s: Monitoring Long-Term Risk Factors
This is a time when early signs of chronic conditions may start to show up, especially if there’s a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Staying proactive is key to preventing more serious health problems later.
Recommended Screenings:
- Mammogram – Start by age 40; earlier if you have a family history
- Pap + HPV test – Continue every 5 years or Pap alone every 3
- Cholesterol & blood pressure checks – At least every 1-2 years
- Blood glucose screening – Especially if overweight or at risk for diabetes
- Consider thyroid function testing – Especially if you feel tired, cold, or notice weight or bowel changes
- Colorectal screening – Depending on personal/family history, often starting at age 45
- Weight - discussions of healthy eating and active lifestyle to help stay at a healthy weight
Doctor’s note: Perimenopause can begin in your 40s. If you're experiencing mood shifts, changes in sleep, hot flashes, or irregular cycles, bring it up—we’re here to support you through it.
In Your 50s and Beyond: Staying Strong and Preventive
In this stage, it’s all about maintaining strength, preventing disease, and staying ahead of changes that come with age. Preventive care becomes more important than ever.
Recommended Screenings:
- Mammograms – Every 1-2 years
- Colorectal cancer screening – Start at 45, continue through age 75
- Bone density scan – if at high risk
- Hearing and vision checks – Annually or as needed
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screening – Continue regularly
- Lung cancer screening – If you have a history of smoking
- Vaccinations – Including shingles, pneumonia, flu, and COVID-19 boosters
- Cognitive screening – Discuss memory concerns or changes in mental sharpness
Doctor’s reminder: Just because your kids are grown or your family’s complete doesn’t mean your health takes a back seat. Your well-being matters.
Putting Yourself First When it Comes to Health
We know how easy it is to push your own care to the bottom of the list—especially when you’re juggling work, parenting, aging parents, or all of the above. But these simple screenings are truly one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your future.
They’re about prevention, early detection, and peace of mind. And best of all? You don’t have to do it alone. At Northwest Family Clinics, we’re here to support your health—at every age and stage.
If you’re due for a checkup or unsure which screenings apply to you, we’d love to help. Let’s make a plan for your healthiest year yet.