Health library

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. At least every 2 years.
• 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. At least every 2 years.
• 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. Ask your doctor.

40s—Recommended tests:

• Blood pressure. At least every 2 years.
• Breast cancer. Mammogram every year, starting at age 45.
• 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, starting at age 45.

50s—Recommended tests:

• Blood pressure. At least every 2 years.
• Breast cancer. Mammogram every year until age 55. Mammogram every 2 years starting at age 55.
• 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. At least every 2 years.
• Breast cancer. Mammogram every 2 years.
• 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. At least every 2 years.
• Breast cancer. Mammogram every 2 years.
• Cervical cancer. Only if you had serious cervical precancer in the past 20 years.
• Cholesterol. Every 4 to 6 years.
• Colorectal cancer. Through age 75, talk to your doctor about screening options.
• Diabetes. At least every 3 years.
• Osteoporosis. Depends on your risk factors.

Sources: American Cancer Society; American Heart Association; Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Office on Women's Health