Women’s Health Checklist Through the Ages

St. Croix Time Staff

USVI - Women have unique health needs at every stage of their lives. The earlier women start preventive care, the better. Women need to be engaged in their own health care, so they are empowered to live long and healthy lives.

    Checklist for Young Teen Women   

• OB-GYN Visit - Initial reproductive health visit between ages 13 and 15. Possible topics covered: Health issues, sexual history, gender identity (One-on-one without a parent or guardian). Also: Contraceptive counseling, HPV vaccine (protects against developing certain cancers later in life), Breast self-awareness, Blood pressure screening, Lipid screening. Also an opportunity to talk about alcohol, drug use, tobacco use and vaping.

    Checklist for Women in their 20s & 30s 

• Primary Care Visit: Once a year to either maintain your health or identify your risk factors

• OB-GYN Visit: Once a year

• Pap Test: Test screens for cervical cancer (every 3 years) and HPV

• Pelvic exam: Physical exam 

• Breast Cancer Risk Assessment: Initial assessment

• Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening: Annual test for gonorrhea and chlamydia

• Family Planning: For women interested in starting a family

• Genetic Counseling: Hereditary cancer risk assessment

• Blood Pressure Screening: Once a year. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S.

• ASCVD Risk Assessment: To calculate the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke over the next 10 years

• HPV Vaccine: Protects against HPV strains that cause cancers

   Checklist for Women in Their 40s & 50s 

• Primary Care Visit: At least once a year

• Routine Blood Tests and Lipid Screening: Measures blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. At least once a year.

• Pap Test and Pelvic Exam: As needed.

• Breast Cancer Screening: Talk with your Doctor

• Colonoscopy: Colorectal cancer screening

• Lung Cancer Screening: If you are a current or former smoker, lung cancer screening with a yearly, low-dose CT scan may be recommended

   Women in Their 60s & Older 

• Pap Test and Pelvic Exam: Consult Your Doctor

• Routine Blood Tests and Lipid Screening: Lipid panel (Cholesterol test), Blood sugar test, Thyroid Function test

• Additional blood work depending on your symptoms or medical history

• Colonoscopy: strongly recommended through ages 75. From 75 to 85 consult your Doctor

• Osteoporosis Screening: All women 65 and older should have a bone density test (DXA scan) for osteoporosis.

• Skin Cancer Screening: The risk of skin cancer, especially melanoma, increases significantly with age, with the highest rates in adults over 60

• Cardiology Screening: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, and your risk increases after menopause.

Note: This comprehensive Women’s Health Checklist involves suggested preventive screenings and exams as you age. Because health needs vary widely by decade, medical professionals recommend adjusting your preventive schedule to ensure you catch and manage potential risks early.