Why is it so important to stay on top of your health care appointments?
You are never too young to stay on top of your health and wellness. Most of us need some professional guidance to walk beside us along the path of wellness. Seeing a health care provider yearly is the ideal way to navigate any health issues you may or may not be aware of.
We have all heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” I might make the adjustment that when it comes to our overall health, “We are how we live.” Being realistic in your healthcare resolutions and keeping your goals as simple as possible will make you more likely to succeed at a healthy lifestyle, which should also include more than a few ounces worth of prevention in the form of screenings and exams.
Statistics tell us that the average woman will live to be 81—four years longer than the average lifetime of 2007. Despite this good news, half of all adult’s struggle with one or more chronic diseases. In 2012 seven of the top ten causes of death were from chronic diseases, with almost half of those deaths attributable to the top two on the list—heart disease and cancer (breast and colon topping the cancer subset). From all the pink merchandising one would think otherwise, but heart disease is the leading cause of death among women throughout the world. As far at those other chronic diseases are concerned, a recent study showed that 70 to 80 percent of them—including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, arthritis and even some cancers—are caused by lifestyle.
Life. Style. Meaning that in changing one’s lifestyle, one may indeed alter one’s health trajectory.
Why getting the HPV vaccine matters before you become sexually active.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and affects 75 – 80% of men and women, causing genital warts and cervical cancer. A woman under the age of 30years with a + HPV (high risk strain) will most likely have normal Pap smears in the future without any treatment. HPV in this age group tends to go away on its own. Women aged 30-65years that have a + HPV of the high-risk type are more likely to develop dysplasia or pre-cancer cells in the next few years even if the Pap is normal. If you have a history of having an abnormal Pap smear you will need more regular screening. HPV is the direct link to abnormal Pap smears and increasing the risk of cervical cancer.
What are some health misconceptions maybe women in their late 20s to mid-30s may have?
One of the main misconceptions is thinking you do not need to get sexually transmitted infection (STI’s) testing in between partners. It’s very important to come into your health care provider between partners to get screened to ensure you don’t have an asymptomatic or undiagnosed STI.
Everyone is confused how long their new partner should wear a condom when they first start having sexual intercourse. Safe sex includes having a new partner wear a condom until they are 100% sure this is their permit partner. Honestly, I tell my patients your partner should wear a condom until the engagement ring is placed on the 4th finger of your left hand!
Women are not worrying enough about their fertility until after 35years. Women should really start having the baby planning conversation in their early 30’s
What health appointments should a woman in her late 20s to mid-30s have every single year?
Screening Tests in Your 20’s
Good health habits and lifestyle choices should start at a young age. When you embrace and value the importance of your health at an early age this sets the foundation for optimal health and wellbeing! Get educated, know your risk factors for certain diseases and see your health care provider yearly. It will do a body good!
21yr is the beginning of a whole new chapter for many women. It’s also at about this age that women ought to begin routine annual pelvic examinations and learning how to do self-breast exams. The importance of birth control and safe sex is a major topic for most 20-somethings, so annual well woman visits with your ob-gyn or healthcare provider are important not only for your general physical health, but your mental wellbeing. Sexually active women should be screened yearly or between new partners for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), including chlamydia and gonorrhea. Of course, if you’ve left your teens without an HPV vaccine, it’s now essential to remedy that. HIV testing needs to be done yearly as long as you remain sexually active with different partners (or your partner remains sexually active outside of your relationship).
Cervical cancer screening begins at 21 and is repeated every three years thereafter. For women at low risk, Pap smears can be done every three years and HPV testing done every five if both tests are negative.
Cervical screening
– Begin Pap testing at age 21. From 21–29, have a Pap smear every 3 years (HPV co‑testing is not routine in this age group).
Quick recap. How often should women get Pap smears?
A pap smear testing for cervical cancer involves an internal exam and does not start until a woman is 21 years old with follow up Pap smears every 1-3 years depending on your risk factors. Women 21-29yrs should have a Pap smear performed every 3 years. Women 30-65yr should have a Pap smear and/or HPV “co-testing” every 5years if they have had 3 negative Pap smears in a row. If you are over 65yr and have not had a history of pre-cancer cervical cells you can stop having pap smears. You have paid your dues!
HPV & vaccine
– HPV vaccination is recommended through age 45 if not completed earlier so getting before you are sexually active should be a priority.
Sexual health & STI screening
– Annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended for sexually active women under 25; screen older women based on risk.
– Offer HIV testing at least once (more often if risk factors); screen for syphilis and other STIs based on exposure and symptoms.
– Discuss PrEP if HIV prevention is relevant.
Contraception & reproductive planning
– Review contraception options and effectiveness, and address emergency contraception access.
– Discuss fertility goals and offer counseling about timing; consider referral for fertility evaluation if there are concerns after 12 months of trying (sooner if risk factors).
Pregnancy-related screening (if pregnant or planning pregnancy)
– Offer preconception counseling, carrier screening as indicated, and standard prenatal screening if pregnant.
Heart health & metabolic screening
– Check blood pressure at routine visits. Baseline fasting lipids and glucose are based on family history or risk factors; otherwise, screen per clinician judgment.
Thyroid & routine labs
– Check TSH if symptomatic (fatigue, weight changes, mood). Routine CBC/metabolic panels as indicated by health status.
Mental health
– Screen for depression, anxiety, and substance use; address sleep, stress, and safety.
Vaccinations & preventive care
– Ensure up‑to‑date vaccines: HPV (if eligible), annual influenza, Tdap (once with boosters as needed), and COVID per guidance. Hepatitis B vaccination if not immune.
Skin, vision & dental
– Regular dental care and periodic eye exams; see a dermatologist for suspicious or changing moles or strong family history.
Lifestyle & bone health
– Encourage healthy diet, regular exercise (including bone‑building activities), smoking avoidance, and limiting alcohol. Routine DEXA not indicated unless risk factors present.
Genetics & family history
– Discuss hereditary cancer or cardiac risk if family history suggests BRCA, Lynch, cardiomyopathy, or other inherited conditions—refer for genetic counseling as appropriate.
Personalization & follow‑up
– Tailor screening frequency to sexual behavior, medical history, and family history. Keep an open dialogue with your primary care clinician or gynecologist to set a plan that fits your needs.
Screening Tests in Your 30’s
If you’ve had normal Pap smear screenings throughout your twenties (and continue to do so), then you can combine your Pap smear along with an HPV test every three years.
Women under the age of thirty with a low-risk strain of HPV will most likely have normal Pap smears in the future without any treatment. HPV in this age group tends to go away on its own, however, women aged 30-65 with a HPV of the high-risk type are more likely to develop dysplasia or pre-cancer cells in following years even with a normal Pap smear. If you have a history of abnormal Pap smears, you’ll need screenings more often since HPV is the direct link to those abnormal smears and increases the risk of cervical cancer.
The discussion of fertility and family planning often takes a front seat in one’s early 30s. If you are single and you’re not even thinking about future fertility, it may be time to have a conversation about egg freezing. You may have to be the one to start this conversation with your healthcare provider in order to make plans for a possible future family!
Breast cancer prevention begins in your thirties and lasts through most of your life. The habit of a healthy colorful diet, limited alcohol intake, regular exercise, weight control and adequate levels of vitamin D is a habit that begins early in this decade and should last a lifetime. Baseline mammograms can be done between the age of 35y and 40year.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are precarious genetic mutations for which you may be tested around this time. Certain family histories put you at risk for these particular mutations associated with early breast and ovarian cancers. They include:
- A single family member diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50
- Cancer in both breasts
- Both breast and ovarian cancer
- Two or more primary types of BRCA1 or BRCA2 related cancers in a single family member
- Male breast cancer
- Ashkenazi Jewish women with a single family member with breast or ovarian cancer before age 50
If you test positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2, you might be a candidate for an elective bilateral mastectomy and prophylactic oophorectomy (the removal of healthy ovaries in women who have an elevated risk for ovarian cancer) once you are done having children or by the age of 35.
Screening Tests in your 30’s
Cervical screening
– Pap smear with HPV co-testing every 5 years (or Pap alone every 3 years) for women 30–65 if prior screens normal.
– More frequent follow‑up if you have prior abnormal results.
HPV & vaccine
– HPV vaccine recommended up to age 45; discuss catch‑up vaccination through age 45 with your clinician based on risk and shared decision‑making.
Breast health & screening
– Begin clinical breast exams as part of routine care; discuss family history with your clinician.
– Routine screening mammography typically starts at 40, but earlier screening may be advised with higher risk.
Sexual health & STI screening
– Offer/chose screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis based on sexual history and risk; consider annual or more frequent testing if at risk.
– Discuss PrEP if HIV prevention is relevant.
Fertility & family planning
– Discuss fertility goals, contraception options, and timing (egg freezing if considering future pregnancy).
– Evaluate fertility concerns after 6–12 months of trying, sooner if age‑related risks or known issues.
Heart health & metabolic screening
– Check blood pressure at least annually.
– Baseline fasting lipid panel and fasting glucose or Hemoglobin A1C as indicated by risk factors (family history, weight, smoking).
Thyroid & routine labs
– Check TSH if symptomatic (fatigue, weight change, mood shifts); routine screening per clinician judgment.
– Basic labs (CBC, metabolic panel) individualized by health status.
Mental health
– Screen for depression and anxiety and address stress, sleep, and substance use.
Skin & cancer prevention
– Perform skin self‑checks; see a dermatologist for suspicious or changing moles or strong family history.
Dental & vision
– Regular dental checkups (every 6–12 months) and eye exams as recommended.
Vaccinations & preventive care
– Stay current: HPV vaccine (if eligible), annual influenza, Tdap once with boosters as needed, COVID vaccination/boosters per guidance.
– Consider hepatitis B screening/vaccination if at risk.
Bone health & lifestyle
– Encourage weight‑bearing exercise, calcium/vitamin D intake, limiting alcohol, smoking cessation, and maintaining healthy weight. DEXA not routine unless risk factors present.
Pregnancy-related screening (if pregnant)
– First‑trimester labs, carrier screening, gestational diabetes screening, and prenatal genetic screening per obstetric guidance.
Personalization & follow‑up
– Tailor tests to family history (BRCA, Lynch), prior abnormal results, chronic conditions, and individual risks—earlier or more frequent screening may be needed.
– Keep an ongoing dialogue with your primary care clinician or gynecologist to set a screening plan that fits your health goals.
What are some health misconceptions for women in their 40’s and 50’s?
During your 40’s the hormonal tsunami appears and most women struggle to understand what or who has taken over their body. By the age of 45 or so, there’s a good chance you already considered how perimenopause would affect you. There’s no accident that this period of hormonal disruption has been referring to for years as “the change.” You’ve most likely wondered: how will “the change” will change me?
Your 40’s tends to be a challenging time for women as they deal with college-bound teens, job, marital and financial stresses that amplify hormonal changes associated with perimenopause…and menopause. Mood changes, sleep problems, fatigue, brain fog, low sex drive, joint pain and weight gain are all associated with perimenopause and your healthcare provider may find normal hormonal levels and tell you, “Everything is normal, come back and see me when you don’t have a period for a year.” It’s then you realize you are more confused than ever.
The HPV vaccine and divorced women, something to consider. The HPV vaccine is recommended for women and men under the age of 26yr. Its clear more studies are needed in the older age groups but I definitely think it’s worth having a conversation with your healthcare provider to consider the vaccination. Many of my patients opt to get the vaccine just in case there is some protection from this epidemic and contagious virus with minimal risk from the vaccine. You should be pro-active and ask your health care provider if it’s something to consider.
You really are not sure how often to get your cholesterol check, mammogram, colonoscopy, bone density or sexually transmitted infection screening done either. And do you need to be checked for heart disease, the leading cause of death in women? What supplements should I take is often a common question I get asked often by women especially as they get closer to menopause.
It’s really hard to know, when and what, to get screened for after 40y.
Screening tests for women in their 40’s
Pap smears can be done every 3 years if you have a history of normal screening. Women 30 to 65 will have a pap smear along with HPV test every 3 years.
Fertility: Discussing fertility testing and family planning is important to mention in your 30’s. But if you are in your 40’s the time is NOW to make a decision about your fertility. If you are single and are not even thinking about future fertility, the conversation of egg freezing is timely. Educating yourself on your fertility options has to be made a top priority if you want to use your own eggs to ultimately become pregnant with your own DNA in the future.
Breast cancer prevention: Discussing a healthy and colorful diet, limiting weekly alcohol intake, regular weekly exercise, controlling your weight and getting adequate levels of vitamin D are lifestyle habits to be encouraged beginning in your 30’s…and being reminded in your 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.
Breast Cancer Screening: Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 year women so early detection is key. Mammogram testing begins at age 40year and continues every 1 to 2 years depending on your history and risk factors. Discussing a healthy and colorful diet, limiting weekly alcohol intake, regular weekly exercise, controlling your weight and getting adequate levels of vitamin D are lifestyle habits to be encouraged beginning in your 30’s…and being reminded in your 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Doing self-breast examines is also an important monthly habit you should start doing.
Heart Health Screening: Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in women. 1 in 4 women die from this common disease. If you have any complications associated with pregnancy such as hypertension of pregnancy (Pre-eclampsia), pre-term labor, gestational diabetes and small for gestational age are high risk for heart disease. Have a conversation with your internist to discuss if additional testing such as an EKG or Stress Echocardiogram is necessary. Another important test includes a cholesterol screening/lipid profile which should be done yearly. Checking blood pressure, fasting glucose levels and checking body weight is also vital to avoid being at risk for hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer typically occurs in older people but it can happen at any age. It’s the 3rd most common cancer among women (and men). 75% of people with colon cancer have no family history. Colon cancer often begins as a polyp and can turn into a cancer over time. Most people will not have any symptoms of colon cancer, and if symptoms do occur, they can be subtle. A change in bowel habits-constipation or diarrhea, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, belly gas, cramps or pain, weakness or weight loss can occur. Early detection can be life-saving. Colon cancer screening begins at 45y with a colonoscopy. Depending on your family and medical history or presence of a polyp, will determine if you need follow up testing every 3y, 5y or 10 years. Cologuard stool testing for polyps and colorectal cancer does not replace a colonoscopy but acts as a noninvasive alternative screening option for people 45y and older.
Ovarian cancer “screening”: This highly lethal cancer tends to be diagnosed in late-stages as a result of symptoms slow to occur. Women who are high risk for ovarian cancer, including those with a family history or test positive for Br Ca 1 and 2 mutations, Ashkenazi women with a single-family member with breast cancer before age 50 or with ovarian cancer, should have transvaginal pelvic ultrasounds and Ca 125 blood tests done every 6 months to one year along with pelvic examinations.
Melanoma and other skin cancers can be detected by seeing a dermatologist for a mole check yearly. It can be challenging to know the difference between a “beauty mark” and an abnormal skin change.
Discussing your personal risks for cervical cancer with your health care provider will help you determine how frequently you should have Pap smear and HPV testing.
Screening tests for women in their 50’s
Here’s a practical list of recommended screenings and prevention points for women in their 50s:
Cervical screening
– Co-testing (Pap + HPV) every 5 years is preferred if prior screens have been normal; Pap alone every 3 years is acceptable.
– Women 30–65 typically follow co-testing; those with prior abnormal results need more frequent follow‑up.
HPV & vaccine
– High‑risk HPV strains cause most cervical dysplasia and cancer. Even though the vaccine is recommended for women up to age 45years you still need to protect yourself from getting this epidemic virus. If you are single, you need to practice safe sex. Practicing safe sex, means using a condom with vaginal and anal penetration and using a condom or dental dam during oral sex, to help minimize the risk of contracting HPV is recommended.
Breast cancer prevention & screening
– Mammography begins at age 40; in your 50s most guidelines recommend annual or biennial mammograms depending on risk and preference.
– Maintain healthy habits (diet, limit alcohol, exercise, weight control, vitamin D) and continue monthly breast awareness.
Colon Cancer
– Colon cancer screening begins at 45y with a colonoscopy. Depending on your family and medical history or presence of a polyp, will determine if you need follow up testing every 3y, 5y or 10 years
Heart health
– Annual checks should include blood pressure, fasting glucose or Hemoglobin A1C, and lipid profile.
– Discuss EKG or stress testing if you have pregnancy complications (pre‑eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth) or other cardiac risk factors.
Ovarian cancer screening
– No routine screening for average‑risk women.
– High‑risk women (BRCA1/2, strong family history, certain Ashkenazi patterns) should have specialist follow‑up with possible transvaginal ultrasound, CA‑125 testing, and discussion of risk‑reducing options.
Skin cancer
– Annual or as‑needed dermatology checks for new or changing moles/lesions, especially with many or atypical moles or a personal/family history.
Fertility
– Fertility planning is typically time‑sensitive earlier (30s–40s); by the 50s fertility testing/planning is usually not recommended except in rare cases including if you have saved your own eggs at an earlier age or are using a donor egg.
General / personalization
– Tailor screening frequency and tests to personal and family history; prior abnormal results or high-risk warrant earlier or more frequent surveillance.
– Keep open communication with your primary care clinician or gynecologist to individualize timing and follow‑up.
Over age 50y women have to be proactive with key vitamins and mineral. Bones, heart, brain and breast health are at the top of the health list for women over 50year.
My top 4 supplements support these organs and disease prevention.
Calcium is vital for bone health. Osteoporosis affects bones making them brittle, weak and fragile. Women are 5 times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. Ideally a woman wants to consume 1000 to 1200 mg of calcium per day. The best source of calcium is from food but if you are not meeting your calcium requirement through diet, calcium supplementation is frequently needed. Vitamin D, K2 and magnesium help with the absorption of calcium. Dietary forms are preferred but supplements are often necessary.
Vitamin D is a super vitamin. Not only is vitamin D helpful for bone health but it also reduces the risk of heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes, asthma, allergies and possibly breast cancer. Vitamin D can be difficult to get from natural foods and the sun, which are the primary sources. Since 75% of people are deficient in Vitamin D, additional supplementation is often recommended. The vitamin D daily recommended intake of 600IU’s is debatable since studies show higher amounts of vitamin D are necessary for disease and cancer prevention benefits. Getting your vitamin D level check is the first step in knowing how much supplementing is needed to optimize what some refer to as the “wonder vitamin.”
Omega 3 Fish Oil is not only helpful in cardiovascular benefits and lowering triglycerides but this powerful antioxidant also helps preserve brain function including cognitive delay, dementia and Alzheimer’s. The American Heart Association “recommends eating at least 2 serving of fish (salmon, trout, sole, sardines and herring) a week” but supplements are needed to get adequate amounts to have these health benefits. Omega 3 fish oil supplements 1,000-2,000 milligrams of EPA and DHA is recommended daily. Omega 3 fish oil has an effective and potent natural anti-inflammatory without significant health side effects, unlike other medications on the market today
Multivitamins are nutritional insurance. The truth is the best way to get all your necessary vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is through a well-balanced and colorful diet. The problem is the average diet can leave gaps in your daily nutritional requirements, which means you are missing out on vital elements your body needs to function optimally. Multivitamins may prevent chronic disease, heart disease and reduce the risk of certain cancers. Taking a complete multi-vitamin serves as a perfect insurance policy ensuring you are getting what is missing from your diet.
The supplement of the month may include CoQ10, Turmeric, Probiotics or Flaxseed but the truth is we know what health conditions affect us as we age, so it’s best to stick to those vitamins and antioxidants that are tried and true.
What are some health misconceptions for women in their 60’s and beyond?
There are a number of health misconceptions in women over 60y and the most common include:
- “I am too old to start exercising”,
- “Screening test are worth it at my age”,
- “It’s normal to feel lonely or depressed and there’s nothing I can do about it!”
- “Memory loss is just a normal part of aging and there’s nothing that can be done”
- “Joint pain is part of aging and there’s not much to be done about it”
- “I don’t need vaccines anymore”
- “Losing urine is normal after 60y”
- “Supplements are more natural and fill in the nutritional gaps”
- “Having balance issues is normal”
- “I am too old to make lifestyle changes; the damage is already done”
Screening tests for women in their 60’s
Here’s a practical summary of recommended screenings and prevention tests for women over 60.
Cervical screening
– Stop routine Pap/HPV testing at age 65 if prior screening was adequate and there are no recent abnormal results.
– Continue surveillance past 65 if you have a history of abnormal Pap/HPV—consult your clinician.
HPV & vaccine
– HPV vaccine is not routinely recommended over age 45 and is generally not offered to women over 60.
– High‑risk HPV strains cause most cervical dysplasia and cancer. Even though the vaccine is recommended for women up to age 45years, you still need to protect yourself from getting this epidemic virus. If you are single, you need to practice safe sex. Practicing safe sex, means using a condom with vaginal and anal penetration and using a condom or dental dam during oral sex, to help minimize the risk of contracting HPV is recommended.
Breast cancer prevention & screening
– Continue mammography (guidelines often recommend through at least age 74; beyond that, individualize by health/life expectancy).
– Maintain healthy habits (colorful diet, limit alcohol, exercise, weight control, vitamin D) and report new breast changes.
– Continue breast awareness/self‑checks.
Colon Cancer
– Colon cancer screening begins at 45y with a colonoscopy. Depending on your family and medical history or presence of a polyp, will determine if you need follow up testing every 3y, 5y or 10 years
Heart health
– Monitor blood pressure, fasting glucose/ Hemoglobin A1C, and lipid profile at intervals based on risk.
– Manage cardiovascular risk factors (smoking cessation, weight, activity).
– Discuss EKG, stress testing, or imaging if symptoms or new risks arise.
Osteoporosis / bone health & falls
– DEXA (Bone Density) screening recommended at age 65 (earlier if risk factors); repeat interval depends on results (often 1–3 years).
– Address falls risk with home safety, vision/hearing checks, balance/strength training.
– Ensure adequate calcium/vitamin D and treat osteopenia/osteoporosis as indicated.
Colon cancer screening
– Continue colorectal screening through age 75 with stool tests or endoscopy per prior testing and risk.
– After 75, individualize based on overall health and life expectancy.
Ovarian cancer screening
– No routine screening for average‑risk women.
– High‑risk women (BRCA1/2, strong family history) should have specialist follow‑up with individualized surveillance and discussion of risk‑reducing options.
Skin cancer
– Annual or as‑needed dermatology checks for new/changing moles or lesions, especially with personal/family history or many atypical moles.
Immunizations
– Stay current: annual influenza; Tdap once with Td boosters as recommended; shingles vaccine (Shingrix) if not yet received; pneumococcal vaccines per age/risk; COVID boosters per guidance.
Cognition, vision, hearing, and mobility
– Regular screening for memory concerns, annual vision and hearing assessments, and mobility/balance evaluations to prevent falls.
Pelvic health
– Evaluate and treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal dryness, recurrent UTIs, incontinence, prolapse) with options like topical estrogen, pelvic‑floor therapy, or procedures as needed.
Personalization & high‑risk follow‑up
– Tailor screening frequency and choices to prior results, family history, comorbidities, and life expectancy.
– If you have abnormal test history, genetic risk, or prior cancers, follow specialist recommendations for more frequent surveillance.
Additional Screening recommendations for women over 60y
Medications
– Review your medications yearly to confirm each one is still needed and to check for harmful interactions.
Mental health
– Screen for depression, anxiety, and loneliness; these are treatable and not a normal part of aging.
Colon Cancer
– Colon cancer screening begins at 45y with a colonoscopy. Depending on your family and medical history or presence of a polyp, will determine if you need follow up testing every 3y, 5y or 10 years
Cognition
– Ask for a brief cognitive screen if you or loved ones notice memory or thinking changes.
Vision & dental
– Get annual eye exams for cataracts, glaucoma, and macular changes, and maintain regular dental care.
Hearing
– Test your hearing yearly or whenever you notice problems, since untreated loss can affect mood and cognition.
Thyroid & metabolic disorders
– Consider TSH testing if you have fatigue, weight change, or brain fog; get fasting glucose or Hemoglobin A1C annually if you have diabetes risk factors.
Kidney & liver
– Have periodic basic metabolic and liver tests if you take certain medications or have relevant health conditions.
Bone health & falls
– Follow up on DEXA results, check vitamin D, and discuss fracture prevention, strength training, and balance exercises; assess gait and home safety to reduce fall risk.
Vaccinations
– Stay current with vaccines: annual flu, shingles (Shingrix), pneumococcal if recommended, Tdap/Td boosters as needed, and COVID boosters per guidance.
Cancer follow‑up & screening
– Continue specialist follow‑up for prior abnormal screens or cancer history and report any new breast or pelvic changes promptly.
Pelvic & sexual health
– Bring up vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, pelvic pain, or sexual concerns — many issues are common and treatable.
Genetics & family history
– Consider genetic counseling if you have a strong family history of breast, ovarian, or other cancers.
Advance care planning
– Review advance directives, appoint or confirm a health proxy, and discuss goals of care while you’re healthy.
At what age can you stop certain medical screening tests?
I get asked this question all the time. I am sure you have wondered if you can actually stop certain medical screening examinations and tests.
Of course, the general stopping ages will be based on conversations you have had with your trusted healthcare provider taking into account your individualized health history and risk factors for medical conditions, and NOT Dr Google!
Pap/HPV tests
If you’ve had regular normal screening, most people stop Pap/HPV testing at around 65. If you’ve had abnormal results in the past, though, you may need to keep checking—talk with your clinician to be sure.
Mammograms
Most guidelines suggest continuing mammograms through your early 70s (often every year or every other year depending on your risk and preference). After about 75, it’s a personal decision. If you’re healthy and would want treatment if something was found, keep going; if not, you can stop.
Colorectal screening (colonoscopy/stool tests)
Routine screening is recommended through age 75. Between 76 and 85 it depends on your health and past screening, some people continue, others stop. After 85, screening is typically stopped.
Bone density (DEXA)
We usually start checking bone density at 65, but there isn’t a hard age to stop. If you have osteoporosis or are on treatment, you’ll keep getting bone density testing regularly, otherwise your doctor will decide based on your fracture risk.
Skin, dental, vision, hearing, and vaccines
There’s no set age to stop these screening exams so keep up with yearly eye and dental exams, yearly hearing checks if you notice trouble, and stay current with vaccines as long as they benefit you.
Ovarian cancer
There’s no routine screening for average‑risk women at any age. If you’re high risk (BRCA or strong family history), keep following a specialist’s plan.
Bottom Line
These are general recommendations. The best screening exams depends on your health, life expectancy, past test results, and what you’d want done if something were found. If you’re unsure, have a conversation with your healthcare team and make the decision together.
