At What Age Do Women Need to Undergo Health Screenings?

Lisa Ferrara, MD

Lisa Ferrara, MD, internal medicine physician a Bon Secours Medical Group, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, says women should follow these guidelines:

 General: Blood pressure, weight, diabetes and cholesterol at annual primary-care visits.

Breast cancer: Age 40­-75, annual mammogram; continue based on age, life expectancy and health risks.

Cervical cancer: Age 21-65, pap smears every three years; this can be extended to every five years if combined with a human papilloma virus (HPV) test.

Colon cancer: New guidelines recommend begin screening at age 45 or sooner, depending on family history. Screenings include colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, stool occult and fecal immunochemical (FIT), and stool DNA (Cologard testing).

Hepatitis C: Once for anyone 18 years or older.

Lung cancer: Age 55­-79, annually, for asymptomatic smokers and former smokers based upon pack/year history.

Skin cancer: Depends upon skin type and family history.

Visit us at  Bon Secours Medical Group to learn more.