9 Regular Screenings That Can Prevent Serious Health Issues in Women

The Role of Preventive Screenings for Women’s Health

Routine health screenings allow for the early detection of a wide variety of conditions, from cancer to heart disease, that can affect women at any stage of life.

Regular checkups help physicians spot subtle signs that may indicate an underlying issue, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. By identifying risks before they become more serious, screenings can significantly improve health outcomes and, in some cases, even save lives.

Here are some of the most important screenings women should prioritize to maintain their health:

Types of Preventative Screenings for Women

1. Pap Smear & HPV Testing (Cervical Cancer Screening)

• What It Screens For:
  A Pap smear (or Pap test) screens for abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which could indicate a risk for cervical cancer. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) testing is often performed alongside a Pap smear and can detect the presence of HPV strains that may lead to cervical cancer.
  
  
• When to Get Tested:
  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) advises cervical cancer screening for women aged 21 to 29 with a Pap test every three years. For women between the ages of 30 and 65, the task force recommends either a Pap test every three years or a combination of HPV testing, with or without a Pap test, every five years.
  
  
• Why It’s Important:
  Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be detected early with a simple screening test. Early detection of abnormal cells can prevent cancer from progressing and increase the chances of successful treatment. 

HPV infection is a significant risk factor for cervical cancer, so screening for HPV helps identify at-risk women.

2. Mammograms (Breast Cancer Screening)

• What It Screens For:
  A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast tissue used to detect early signs of breast cancer, such as lumps or unusual tissue changes. Considering that there will likely be at least 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2025, this is an important screening to discuss.
  
  
• When to Get Tested:
  In most cases, women aged 40 and older should have a mammogram annually. Women with a family history or other risk factors for breast cancer may need to start earlier.
  
  
• Why It’s Important:
  Early detection through breast cancer screening can greatly increase the chances of survival. When breast cancer is caught early, treatment options are more effective, and the likelihood of successful treatment is higher.
  

3. Bone Density Test (Osteoporosis Risk Assessment)

• What It Screens For:
  This test measures bone mineral density to assess the risk of osteoporosis, a condition where bones become fragile and prone to fractures. Osteopenia, a precursor to osteoporosis, can also be detected.
  
  Although men should also be screened for bone density, 80% of Americans with osteoporosis are women (according to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation). This makes bone density tests especially important for females.
  
  
• When to Get Tested:
  Women aged 50 and older or postmenopausal women, especially those with risk factors such as family history, should undergo bone density testing.
  
  
• Why It’s Important:
  Osteoporosis and bone loss are common in women, particularly after menopause. Detecting bone thinning early can help prevent fractures and reduce the long-term health impact of osteoporosis.
  

4. Blood Pressure Screening & Cholesterol Tests (Heart Disease Prevention)

• What It Screens For:
  A blood pressure screening measures the force of blood against artery walls, while cholesterol screenings measure levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and total cholesterol in the blood.
  
  
• When to Get Tested:
  Women aged 20+ should have their blood pressure checked at least once every 3 years, and more frequently if there are concerns.
  
  Cholesterol tests should be conducted every 4-6 years, or more often if you have risk factors such as a personal or family history of high blood pressure.
  
  
• Why It’s Important:
  Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two of the main risk factors for heart disease. Early detection allows for lifestyle changes and medications that can prevent heart problems.

5. Blood Sugar Test (Diabetes Prevention & Management)

• What It Screens For:
  Blood sugar tests can identify prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by measuring the level of glucose in your blood. Considering that up to 32% of women had prediabetes from 2017 to 2020, this is an important screening to keep up with.
  
  
• When to Get Tested:
  Women aged 45 and older should be screened every 3 years for diabetes, or sooner if they are overweight or have other risk factors.
  
  
• Why It’s Important:
  Prediabetes and early-stage diabetes often do not present symptoms. Detecting abnormal blood sugar levels early can help prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes and the associated risks of cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and other complications.

7. STD (STI) & Sexual Health Screenings

• What It Screens For:
  More than 9 million women in the U.S. are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) every year, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis. All of these can be detected through blood tests and other screening methods.
  
  
• When to Get Tested:
  Women who are sexually active, especially those with multiple partners or who do not use barrier protection, should have regular STI screenings based on their risk factors.
  
  
• Why It’s Important:
  STIs often do not show obvious symptoms, but they can lead to serious health complications such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and cancer. Early detection and treatment are essential for maintaining reproductive wellness and overall women’s health.
  

9. Thyroid Function Test

• What It Screens For:
  Thyroid function tests measure how well the thyroid is working, which can indicate the presence of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid that produces too little thyroid hormone) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid that produces too much).
  
  
• When to Get Tested:
  Women aged 35 and older should have their thyroid function checked every 5 years, or sooner if symptoms arise.
  
  
• Why It’s Important:
  The thyroid plays a key role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and hormonal balance. Thyroid imbalances can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes.
  

Taking the First Step to Better Health: Start Screenings Today

Preventive health screenings are an essential part of maintaining your overall well-being.

By regularly undergoing the screening tests mentioned above, women can detect potential health issues early and take the necessary steps to prevent more serious conditions.

At Family Medical Center, we encourage women to prioritize these screenings as part of their routine healthcare to stay informed and proactive about their health. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—schedule your screening tests today to start taking charge of your health and future.

If you have any questions or need assistance scheduling anything from a breast cancer screening to a thyroid check, our team at Family Medical Center is here to help.

Remember: prevention can be the key to a healthier tomorrow.