Taking care of your health day-to-day—like eating well, staying active, and managing screen time—is easy to remember. However, keeping track of the wellness screenings women need each year can be a bit trickier. Your primary care doctor will let you know when it’s time for a screening at your annual preventive visit, and you can also use the list below to stay on top of what’s due.

  1. Pap smears. This screening examines cervical cells for any precancers or cell changes that may lead to or indicate cervical cancer. Beginning at age 21 and until age 65, women should have a Pap smear every three years before age 30 and every five years after age 30. Some women may require more frequent screening depending on results and their risk factors.
  2. Mammograms. Annual breast cancer screenings should begin at age 40, according to the American Cancer Society. If you are 55 or older, you have the option to continue yearly screening or switch to every two years.
  3. Colorectal cancer screenings. For those with an average risk of colorectal cancer, screenings are now recommended beginning at age 45. Colorectal cancer screening procedures include stool-based tests, a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy. If no abnormalities are found, screenings are usually repeated every 10 years. If abnormal tissue or polyps are discovered, your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings.
  4. Skin exams. While you can perform monthly skin exams at home each month, dermatologists recommend an annual screening to look for new moles or spots that have changed in size, color or shape. Women should start examining their skin regularly in their 20s. For more information on skin cancer and protection, read our resource on staying safe in the sun.
  5. Bone density exams. Beginning at age 65, women should receive screenings for osteoporosis. A bone density test uses X-rays to measure the strength and mineral content of your bones through a scan of your spine, hip and sometimes forearm. How often you’ll receive a bone density test depends on your results and other risk factors.
  6. Blood pressure screenings. Starting at age 18, women should have their blood pressure checked at least every three to five years. Most doctors perform a blood pressure screening each year at your annual physical. High blood pressure can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as long-term risks like heart or kidney disease.
  7. Cholesterol screening. Regularly checking your cholesterol can help gauge your risk for developing heart disease or stroke. Starting at age 20, you should have your cholesterol checked every four to six years (though, if you get a yearly physical, a cholesterol screening is included in your routine blood work).

Your Centivo Care primary care provider will help you determine the screenings that make the most sense for you, and the frequency with which you should complete them.