The following medical screenings are recommended for women from age 18 through adulthood. Some screenings, such as cholesterol, blood pressure and bone density, are offered on a regular basis for free or at low cost at the Health First Center. Check our monthly schedule of events for upcoming screenings.
Women Aged 18-39*
- Full Checkup with Height, Weight, Skin and Pelvic Exams at least every 3 years
- Blood Pressure Check yearly
- Blood Tests for Diabetes, Cholesterol, and Kidney at least every 3 years
- Urinalysis at least every 3 years
- Women should be familiar with their breasts and report changes promptly to their healthcare provider
- Clinical Breast Exams at least every 1-3 years
- Women aged 21-29 should have Pap Smears every 3 years; women 30-39 should have a Pap Smear and HPV Test every 5 years or a Pap Smear every 3 years
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases - both partners should get tested, including HIV before initiating sexual intercourse
- Eye and Ear Exams, if problems occur
- Dental Exam is recommended 1 to 2 times a year
- Tetanus-Diphtheria Booster every 10 years
- Influenza Vaccine annually
- If not previously vaccinated, women up to 26 should receive the HPV vaccine
*National Comprehensive Cancer Network are the guidelines adopted by Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Community Hospital Cancer Program
Women Aged 40-49*
- Full Checkup with Height, Weight, Skin and Pelvic Exams at least every 2 years
- Blood Pressure Check yearly
- Blood Tests for Diabetes, Cholesterol, and Kidney at least every 2 years
- Urinalysis at least every 2 years
- Electrocardiogram (EKG), discuss with physician
- Women should be familiar with their breasts and report changes promptly to their healthcare provider
- Clinical Breast Exam yearly
- Mammograms yearly
- Pap smears and HPV test every 5 years or a Pap Smear every 3 years
- Colorectal Screening, discuss with MD if you have a family history
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases, both partners should get tested, including HIV before initiating sexual intercourse
- Eye (including Glaucoma Screening if you have family history or if you are African-American) and Ear Exams every 2-4 years
- Dental Exam 1 to 2 times a year
- Tetanus-Diphtheria Booster every 10 years
- Influenza Vaccine annually
*National Comprehensive Cancer Network are the guidelines adopted by Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Community Hospital Cancer Program
Women Aged 50-64*
- Full Checkup yearly
- Blood Pressure Check yearly
- Blood Tests for Diabetes, Cholesterol, and Kidney yearly
- Urinalysis yearly
- Electrocardiogram (EKG), discuss with physician
- Women should be familiar with their breasts and report changes promptly to their healthcare provider
- Clinical Breast Exams yearly
- Mammograms yearly
- Pap smears and HPV test every 5 years or a Pap Smear every 3 years
- Rectal exam yearly
- If a long-term smoker, discuss benefits/risk of lung cancer screening with physician
- Colorectal Screening:
- Colonoscopy at least every 10 years
- Fecal Occult Test yearly or
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every 5 yearsAt age 60, Shingles Vaccine once
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases, both partners should get tested, including HIV before initiating sexual intercourse
- Eye (including Glaucoma Screening if you have family history or if you are African-American) and Ear Exams every 2-4 years
- Dental Exam 1 to 2 times a year
- Tetanus-Diphtheria Booster every 10 years
- Influenza Vaccine yearly
*National Comprehensive Cancer Network are the guidelines adopted by Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Community Hospital Cancer Program
Women Aged 65 and Older*
- Full Checkup with Height, Weight, Skin and Pelvic Exams yearly
- Blood Pressure Check yearly
- Blood Tests for Diabetes, Cholesterol, Kidney and Thyroid Dysfunction yearly
- Urinalysis yearly
- Electrocardiogram (EKG), discuss with physician
- Women should be familiar with their breasts and report changes promptly to their healthcare provider
- Clinical Breast Exams yearly
- Mammograms yearly
- Pap Smear, discuss with physician
- If a long-term smoker, discuss benefits/risk of lung cancer screening with physician
- Colorectal Screening:
- Colonoscopy at least every 10 years
- Fecal Occult Test yearly or
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every 5 yearsShingles Vaccine – one time only
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases, both partners should get tested, including HIV before initiating sexual intercourse
- Eye (including glaucoma screening) and Ear Exams every 1-2 years
- Dental Exam 1 to 2 times a year
- Tetanus-Diphtheria Booster every 10 years
- Influenza Vaccine yearly
- Pneumococcal Vaccine - one or two doses
If you need a physician, please call our Physician Referral Service at 828.324.0258
*National Comprehensive Cancer Network are the guidelines adopted by Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Community Hospital Cancer Program
