Women's Screenings | Print |

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 Dysfunction at least every 3 years
  • Urinalysis at least every 3 years
  • Skin and Breast Self-exams monthly**
  • Clinical Breast Exams at least every 3 years**
  • Pap Smears yearly beginning at age 21 or within 3 years of becoming sexually active; at age 30, after 3 consecutive normal Pap Smears, discuss with physician about decreasing to every 2-3 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, discuss with physician

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 Dysfunction at least every 2 years
  • Urinalysis at least every 2 years
  • Skin and Breast Self-exams monthly**
  • Clinical Breast Exam yearly**
  • Mammograms yearly**
  • Pap Smears every 2-3 years after 3 consecutive normal Pap smears**
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG), discuss with physician
  • 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 your 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, discuss with physician

*These recommendations are for women at average risk. Women with chronic illnesses, strong family histories or weakened immune systems should consult their physicians about screenings and immunizations.
**American Cancer Society’s recommendations

Women Aged 50-64*

  • Full Checkup with Height, Weight, Skin and Pelvic Exams yearly
  • Blood Pressure Check yearly
  • Blood Tests for Diabetes, Cholesterol, and Kidney Dysfunction yearly
  • Urinalysis yearly
  • Skin and Breast Self-exams monthly**
  • Clinical Breast Exams yearly**
  • Mammograms yearly**
  • Pap Smears every 2-3 years after 3 consecutive normal Pap smears*
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG), discuss with physician
  • Colorectal Screening
  • Rectal Exam yearly
  • Fecal Occult test yearly** and
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years** or
  • Barium Enema every 5 years** or
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years**
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, both partners should get tested, including HIV before initiating sexual intercourse
  • Eye (including Glaucoma Screening if your 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

Women Aged 65 and Older*

  • Full Checkup with Height, Weight, Skin and Pelvic Exams yearly
  • Blood Pressure Check yearly
  • Tuberculosis Skin Test every 5 years
  • Blood Tests for Diabetes, Cholesterol, and Kidney Dysfunction yearly
  • Urinalysis yearly
  • Skin and Breast Self-exams monthly**
  • Clinical Breast Exams yearly**
  • Mammograms yearly**
  • Pap Smears every 2-3 years after 3 consecutive normal Pap smears**
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG), discuss with physician
  • Colorectal Screening
  • Rectal Exam yearly
  • Fecal Occult Test yearly** and
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years** or
  • Barium Enema every 5 years** or
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years**
  • 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 time only

If you need a physician, please call our Physician Referral Service at 828/324-0258
*These recommendations are for women at average risk. Women with chronic illnesses, strong family history or weakened immune systems should consult their physicians about screening.
**American Cancer Society’s recommendations