Prioritizing You: 5 Health Screenings Every Woman Should Schedule This Year

Life moves fast—especially when you're juggling work, family, and everything in between. It's easy to put your health on the back burner. But here's the truth: making your health a priority now can help you stay strong, active, and thriving for years to come. 

Whether you're in your 20s, 40s, or 60s, there are certain screenings and annual check-ups that are too important to skip. And the good news? They're easier to schedule than you think. 

Here are five important health screenings every woman should keep on her radar — plus a few self-care reminders to keep you feeling your best. 

1. Pap Smear: Protecting Against Cervical Cancer

Regular Pap smears are a must if you're between the ages of 21 and 65. This quick test checks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. 

What to Expect During a Pap Smear

A Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It involves collecting cells from your cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of your uterus that connects to the vagina. You'll lie on your back on an exam table with your feet in stirrups during the test. Your doctor will gently insert a speculum into your vagina to open it. They will then use a small brush or spatula to collect a sample of cells form your cervix. The cells are placed on a slide and sent to a lab for analysis. The test is usually quick and painless, although some women may experience mild discomfort. 

Why a Pap Smear is Important

Pap smears are one of the most effective ways to detect cervical cancer early, when it's most treatable. This is because they can identify abnormal cells before they turn into cancer, allowing for early intervention and treatment. 

"Pap smears can catch abnormal cells before they turn into cancer, which means we can step in early and stop the disease from getting worse," explain Dr. Rachel P. Anderson from Archbold Primary Care Thomasville. "Finding it early makes a huge difference in how well cervical cancer patients do, so getting those regular Pap smears is really important for women's health."

How Often Should You Get a Pap Smear?

How often you'll need a Pap smear can vary based on your age, health history, and past test results. Your primary care provider or gynecologist will work with you to create a screening schedule that fits your personal heath needs. But as a general guideline:

• Ages 21-29: Pap test every 3 years
• Ages 30-65: Pap test combined with HPV testing every 5 years or a Pap test alone every 3 years

Your doctors will help determine the best approach for you and may recommend more frequent testing if you've had abnormal results or other risk factors. 

2. Mammograms: Early Detection Saves Lives

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S.— but when caught early, it's also one of the most treatable. That's why mammograms are such an important part of routine health care for women. 

Why Mammograms Matter

Mammograms are the best tool we have for detecting breast cancer early— often before a lump can be felt or symptoms appear. 

"About 85% of breast cancers occur in women with no family history of the disease," said Dr. Anderson. "This is why even if you feel healthy and have not family history of breast cancer, routine mammograms are still recommended." 

What to Expect During a Mammogram

Feeling a little nervous is normal if it's your first mammogram, but knowing what to expect can help ease the anxiety. Most women describe the pressure as temporary discomfort rather than pain. And today's technology makes the experience quicker and more comfortable than ever before. 

During the screening:

• You'll stand in front of a special X-ray machine. 
• Your breast will be gently compressed between two plates to get clear images. 
• The process only takes a few minutes for each breast.

How Often Should You Get a Mammogram?

The recommended screening age and frequency for mammograms can vary based on your personal risk factors like age, family history, or genetics. Your primary care provider or gynecologist will help guide you on the best screening schedule for you. In general:

• Women ages 40 and older: Annual mammograms are typically recommended. 
• Women with higher risk factors: You many need to start screenings earlier or have them more frequently. 

3. Cholesterol Check: Know Your Numbers

High cholesterol is often called a "silent" health risk because you won't feel any symptoms until it starts causing bigger problems. But just because you feel fine, doesn't mean your cholesterol levels are where they should be. That's why routine cholesterol checks are so important for women of all ages. 

Why Cholesterol Checks Matter

Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body needs in small amounts. But when you have too much "bad" cholesterol (LDL) or not enough "good" cholesterol (HDL), it can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, which can increase your risk for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death of women in the U.S., making it critical to monitor your cholesterol numbers regularly—especially if you have risk factors like:

• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• A diet high in saturated or trans fats

"Cholesterol can often be managed through diet, exercise, and medication if needed— but it all starts with knowing your numbers," says Dr. Anderson. 

What to Expect During a Cholesterol Test

A cholesterol test (also called a lipid panel) is a simple blood test that measures the following:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL (bad) cholesterol
• HDL (good) cholesterol
• Triglycerides (another type of fat in your blood)

Your primary care provider will usually ask you to fast (avoid eating or drinking anything except water) for 9-12 hours before the test for the most accurate results. Results are typically ready within a few days, and your primary care provider will walk you through what your numbers mean—and any steps you may need to take to improve them.

How Often Should You Get a Cholesterol Check? 

Your primary care provider will help determine how often you should be screened based on your age, health history, and risk factors. But general recommendations include:

• Women ages 20 and older: Get a baseline cholesterol screening. 
• Every 4-6 years: Repeat screening if your numbers are healthy and you have no additional risk factors. 
• More frequent checks: These may be needed if you have high cholesterol, heart disease risk factors, or are taking cholesterol-lowering medications. 

Your cholesterol levels can change over time, so regular screenings are key to catching problems early and protecting your heart health long-term. 

4. Bone Density Scan: Guarding Against Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis develops slowly over time and typically shows no symptoms until a bone breaks. For many women, a bone density scan (also called a DEXA scan) is the only way to know if their bones are weakening. 

Why Bone Density Scans Matter

Women start losing bone density as early as their 30s, and the risk increases significantly after menopause due to lower estrogen levels. 

"Osteoporosis can be serious, but it's also preventable and treatable—especially when caught early," says Dr. Anderson. "A bone density scan gives us a clear picture of your bone health, so we can take steps to strengthen your bones and help prevent fractures before they happen."

If left undetected, osteoporosis can lead to: 

• Hip fractures
• Spine or vertebral fractures
• Loss of height
• Chronic pain
• Limited mobility

But with early detection, there are effective strategies to protect your bones, including diet changes, weight-bearing exercises, supplements, and medications if needed. 

What to Expect During a Bone Density Scan

A DEXA scan is a quick, non-invasive, and painless test. Here's how it works:

• You'll lie fully clothed on a padded table. 
• A scanning arm will pass over your lower spine and hips (areas most vulnerable to fractures).
• The scan typically takes about 10-20 minutes. 
• There's no squeezing or compression like with a mammogram, and radiation exposure is very low. 

Your results will show a T-score that compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult. Based on these results, your doctors will recommend next steps for treatment or prevention. 

How Often Should You Get a Bone Density Scan?

General recommendations for women include: 

• Age 65 and older: All women should have a bone density scan. 
• Younger than 65: You may need a scan earlier if you have risk factors like:
  • Early menopause
  • Family history of osteoporosis
  • History of fractures
  • Long-term steroid use
  • Low body weight

If your initial scan is normal, you many only need to repeat the test every 5-10 years. But if you're diagnosed with low bone density or osteoporosis, your provider may recommend bone density testing every 1-2 years to monitor progress. 

5. Annual Wellness Visit: Your Health Check-In

Life changes—and so does your health. That's why an annual wellness visit with your primary care provider is one of the most valuable appointments you can make each year. It's not just about addressing what's wrong; it's about staying ahead of potential issues and building a plan for lifelong wellness.

Why Annual Wellness Visits Matter

Your annual check-up is the cornerstone of preventive care. It allows your provider to assess your physical and mental health, spot any changes, and make adjustments to your care plan based on where you are in life. 

"Even if you're feeling well, an annual visit helps us catch small issues before they become big problems," says Dr. Anderson. "It also gives us the chance to talk about things like stress, sleep or nutrition—factors that impact your health every day but don't always come up unless we ask."

During this visit, you can address the following:

• Preventive screenings (like mammograms or cholesterol checks)
• Menstrual concerns or menopausal symptoms
• Family history and risk factors
• Mental health, anxiety, or depression
• Weight management and nutrition
• Immunizations and medication updates

This visit is also a great opportunity to build a long-term relationship with your primary care provider so you feel comfortable discussing changes in your health as they arise. 

What to Expect During Your Wellness Visit

An annual wellness visit is typically longer and more comprehensive than a sick visit. It's your time to talk, ask questions, and plan for the year ahead. 

Here's what the appointment may include:

• A review of your personal and family medical history
• Measurement of vital signs (weight, blood pressure, heart rate)
• Routine lab work based on age and health history
• A physical exam
• Discussion of screening tests or vaccines due
• A mental health check-in
• Health goals and lifestyle recommendations

If something needs more attention—like a specific concern about sleep, digestion, or hormonal health—your provider may schedule a follow-up or refer you to a specialist. 

How Often Should You Schedule One? 

The answer is simple: once a year. 

Annual wellness visits are recommended for women of all ages, even if you're otherwise healthy. If you have chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid issues, you may need more frequent check-ins with your primary care provider. It's also a good time to sync up your other recommended screenings, like Pap smears, mammograms, and cholesterol checks, so everything is coordinated and up to date. 

"Your health journey is always evolving, and a yearly check-in ensures you're on the right path," said Dr. Anderson. "With one appointment, you can take charge of your health and set the tone for a better, more balanced year ahead."

Let Archbold Help You Prioritize Your Health

When it comes to your health, you shouldn't have to guess what's next. At Archbold, our compassionate, knowledgeable primary care providers are here to help your take charge of your health with personalized care and convenient locations throughout South Georgia. Whether you're due for a screening or just need a wellness check-in, we make it easy to get started. 

Schedule an appointment with an Archbold Primary Care provider today, and take the first step in putting your health first.