Essential Health Screenings for Women: What You Need to Know About Mammograms, Colonoscopies and Pap Tests
May 22, 2025 | Tags:
Mammograms, colonoscopies and Pap tests screen for three of the most common cancers found in women. These screenings are vital for maintaining your health as you age.
Breast cancer screening
As women get older, it is important to get screened for breast cancer once every two years. Mammograms can begin at age 40. Talk with your primary care provider (PCP) and confirm your benefits to determine the right age to begin your screening.
Mammogram facilities may offer evening or weekend hours, and some don’t even require an appointment. Ask your provider to see if this is an option for you.
Watch our video on breast cancer awareness to learn about the importance of early detection, the signs to watch for and preventive measures you can take.
Colorectal cancer screening
While there are multiple options available, colonoscopies are the preferred screening method for colorectal cancer. They need to be done once every 10 years starting at age 45 for all adults.
How often you need to repeat the screening depends on which screening you and your PCP decide is right for you.
Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer screenings are recommended for women ages 21 to 65. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap test (also called a Pap smear), which is a cervical cytology screening, every three years.
When you turn 30, talk to your PCP about which of the following testing schedules is right for you. Your options include:
- A Pap test every three years.
- An HPV test every five years.
- An HPV test along with the Pap test every five years.
Cardiovascular disease screening
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. It is caused by a buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries. That buildup can slow or even stop blood flow, leading to a heart attack.
It’s a myth that the signs of a heart attack are obvious. In fact, you might think it’s just acid reflux or the flu when it could be something more serious.
Regular blood pressure screenings are crucial because high blood pressure can be a silent contributor to heart disease. Talk to your PCP about your risks.
Talk to your primary care provider
Don’t delay getting these important life-saving screenings. Make an appointment with your PCP to talk about your risk factors for these cancers and recommendations for your screening schedule.
If you are a Medical Mutual member and do not have a PCP, use the Find a Provider tool on My Health Plan to find one in your plan’s network or call the Customer Care phone number listed on your member ID card.