How often do I need to get screened?

Breast Cancer Screening

The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin having mammograms annually starting at age 40. A clinical breast exam should be part of a woman’s periodic health examination, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and annually for women 40 and older. Women should report any breast change promptly to the healthcare provider. Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s.

Cervical Cancer Screening

The American Cancer Society recommends that cervical cancer screening should begin three years after a woman begins having vaginal intercourse, but no later than 21 years of age. Screening should be done every year with regular Pap tests or every two years using liquid-based Pap tests. At or after age 30, women who have had three normal tests in a row may get screened every two to three years. However, healthcare providers may suggest a woman get screened more often if she has certain risk factors such as HIV infection or a weakened immune system. Women 70 and older who have had three or more consecutive normal Pap tests and no abnormal results in the last 10 years may choose to stop cervical cancer screening.