Health Checklist for Women Over 40

Medically Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on August 27, 2023
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
5 min read

Breast cancer screening

Procedure/test:What it does:Starting at age:How often:Date performed/results:
MammogramChecks for breast cancer40 (or earlier with certain risk factors)Every 1 to 2 years, depending on risk 
Doctor's breast examMay detect breast cancers missed by mammography20Annually; Every three years for women 20-40 


Cervical cancer screening (one of the following)

Procedure/test:What it does:Starting at age:How often:Date performed/results:
Pap smear and pelvic examChecks for cervical cancer21Every three years. Women older than 65 may be able to stop testing if your doctor says you're low risk. 
HPV DNA test and pelvic examHPV is a virus that is known to cause cervical cancer30The PAP every three years and HPV every five years until age 65, or as recommended by your doctor. Women older than 65 may be able to stop testing if your doctor says you're low risk. 
Pap smear plus HPV DNA test and pelvic examSome experts recommend as more precise means to check for cervical cancer30Every five years until age 65, or as recommended by your doctor. Women older than 65 may be able to stop testing if your doctor says you're low risk. 


Colorectal cancer screening

*Your doctor will pick which screening test is best for you. Your screening schedule may be different depending on your personal and family history.


Heart disease screening

Procedure/test:What it does:Starting at age:How often:Date performed/results:
Blood cholesterol testMeasures amount of total cholesterol, "bad" LDL, and "good" HDL cholesterol circulating in the blood. Levels of triglycerides, another blood fat, are also usually checked.20Every 5 years, or at your doctor's discretion 
Blood pressure checkMeasures blood pressure, an indicator of heart risk18At least every other year, more often if reading is above normal 
Fasting plasma glucoseMeasures blood sugar, an indicator of diabetes risk

45, or younger if you are overweight with BMI > 25kg/m2

and have other risk factors such as hypertension or high cholesterol

Every three years if in normal range, or at your doctor's discretion 



Bone health

Procedure/test:What it does:Starting at age:How often:Date performed/results:
Bone mineral density testUsed as an indicator of bone strength and osteoporosis risk65, or earlier for women with previous fragility fractures; a family history of osteoporosis; on medications that cause bone loss; or have problems with calcium absorptionAt your doctor's discretion 


Sexual health

If you are sexually active and have a higher risk for STDs, get tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis yearly. Take an HIV test at least once, more frequently if you’re at risk.

Vaccines/immunizations

Procedure/test:What it does:Starting at age:How often:Date performed/results:
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap) boosterRestores protection against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) infectionVaries. Recommended in the third trimester of each pregnancy.One dose of Tdap as a booster, and then a Td booster every 10 years 
Pneumonia vaccineProvides lifelong protection against pneumonia65 or earlier in people with risk factors, such as heart failure, lung disease, alcoholism, and othersTwo shots if given at age 65 or later. May need to be repeated in people who have certain medical conditions who received it before the age of 65 
Influenza vaccineProvides protection against common influenza strainsEveryone 6 months of age and olderYearly

 

 

 

ShingrixTo help protect against shingles50Two doses 2-6 months apart 

Other important screenings

  • Skin exams. Most skin cancers are curable. Ask your doctor to check your skin any time you find any moles or skin changes.
  • Eye exams. Be sure to get your eyes examined regularly -- every 1 to 2 years until age 60 -- to check for common problems like presbyopia, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Go more often if you have vision problems or risk factors for eye problems.
  • Hepatitis C. The CDC recommends that anyone over the age of 18 get tested for hepatitis C at least once in a lifetime. It also recommends the test for people who are pregnant. 

 

NOTE: Guidelines for screening vary. This is a compilation of generally accepted major screening recommendations from national health organizations and experts, but it is by no means comprehensive or a substitute for your doctor's advice.