Screening Guide
Women’s Health Screening
Women's health screening changes as you move through life. Learn which checks guidelines recommend, when to start, and which tests are not advised.
Overview
Your health needs change from your twenties, through pregnancy and menopause, and into later life. Women's health screening focuses on the checks that matter most at each stage.
The main ones are cervical screening, breast screening and, later on, bone health. Your doctor may also check for common problems such as anaemia (a low red blood cell or haemoglobin level), especially if you have heavy periods.
There is no fixed list for everyone. Your doctor tailors the checks to your age, family history, symptoms and plans, such as pregnancy.
Who may want to understand this screening
Cervical screening: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends HPV DNA testing (checking for the virus that causes most cervical cancers) from age 30, repeated every 5 to 10 years. For women living with HIV, WHO recommends starting at 25, every 3 to 5 years.
Breast screening: WHO describes mammography screening as usually offered to women aged 50 to 69. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends a mammogram every two years for women aged 40 to 74. If you have a strong family history, your doctor may advise a different plan.
Bone health: after menopause, bones can thin. The USPSTF recommends osteoporosis screening for women aged 65 or older, and for younger postmenopausal women at increased risk.
If you have symptoms, please don't wait for screening. See a doctor for a breast lump or nipple changes, bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause, or persistent bloating or pelvic pain.
What screening may involve
Your visit starts with a chat about your periods, pregnancies, contraception, family history and any symptoms. The doctor checks your blood pressure and weight, and may examine your breasts if you wish or if there is a concern.
For cervical screening, a sample is taken gently from the cervix (the neck of the womb) for an HPV DNA test or a Pap smear. It takes a few minutes and may feel uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. For breast screening, your doctor can refer you for a mammogram.
Blood tests are chosen for you. They may include a full blood count and iron studies if you have heavy periods or tiredness, and thyroid tests if you have symptoms such as weight change, palpitations or feeling unusually cold or tired. Pelvic ultrasound is used when there are symptoms or a specific reason, not as routine screening.
What screening can — and cannot — tell you
Cervical screening can find HPV or early cell changes years before cancer develops, when treatment is simple. Mammograms can find breast cancer early, sometimes before a lump can be felt.
No screening test is perfect. A normal result does not rule out cancer completely, and new symptoms still need checking, even if your last test was clear.
Some tests are not recommended for screening. The USPSTF recommends against screening for ovarian cancer in women without symptoms and without a known high-risk inherited condition. It found that tests such as CA 125 and ultrasound led some women who did not have cancer to have unnecessary surgery.
If a result needs follow-up, your doctor will explain what it means. An abnormal screening result is not the same as a diagnosis.
Practical considerations
Try to book cervical screening when you are not having your period. Avoid vaginal creams, douching or sex for a day or two before the test, as these can affect the sample. Fasting is usually not needed unless your doctor asks for certain blood tests.
Bring your previous screening results, a list of your medicines, and the date of your last period. Let the doctor know if you are pregnant or might be.
Ask when your next screening is due and put a reminder in your phone. Come back sooner if you notice any changes.
Sources
1. WHO guideline for screening and treatment of cervical pre-cancer lesions for cervical cancer prevention, second edition — World Health Organization, 2021
2. Breast cancer (fact sheet) — World Health Organization, 2026
3. Breast Cancer: Screening — US Preventive Services Task Force, 2024
4. Ovarian Cancer: Screening — US Preventive Services Task Force, 2018
5. Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures: Screening — US Preventive Services Task Force, 2025
Common questions
When should I start cervical screening?
WHO recommends HPV testing from age 30, every 5 to 10 years, or from 25 every 3 to 5 years if you are living with HIV. Your doctor can advise based on your history.
At what age should I have a mammogram?
The USPSTF recommends a mammogram every two years from 40 to 74, while WHO describes screening as usually for women aged 50 to 69. Talk to your doctor about what suits you, especially if breast cancer runs in your family.
Can a CA 125 blood test or pelvic ultrasound screen for ovarian cancer?
No, not for women at average risk. The USPSTF recommends against ovarian cancer screening in women without symptoms, as false alarms can lead to unnecessary surgery.
Do I need a thyroid test?
Usually only if you have symptoms or a specific reason, such as a past thyroid problem. Your doctor will ask about symptoms like tiredness, weight change or palpitations.
Should I check my bones after menopause?
The USPSTF recommends osteoporosis screening at 65 and above, or earlier if you have risk factors such as early menopause or a previous fracture. Your doctor can assess your risk.