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Preventive Health Screenings for Women in their 20s and 30s
In your 20s and 30s, health is often at its peak, but it’s still important to get regular check-ups and begin routine screenings that are recommended by your healthcare provider. Good health is often about good habits, and one healthy habit is to start getting recommended preventive screenings on a regular basis and doing it early and often.
What follows is a general guide to age-specific health screenings for women in their 20s and 30s. Professional medical organizations and government agencies don’t always agree on what screenings to get when, so this list isn’t a comprehensive rundown of screenings. However, it is a good starting point and a great way to start the conversation with your provider about the recommended preventive screenings for women that are best for you.
Cervical Cancer Screening
The Pap smear is the most-effective test we have for detecting cervical cancer at its earliest stage and pre-cancerous cellular changes that can lead to cervical cancer. An HPV test can detect high-risk types of human papilloma virus that are more likely to cause cervical cancer. At age 21, every woman should get a Pap smear every 3 years.
Women in their 30s have three options for testing. They can have a Pap test every 3 years or they can have a Pap test and HPV test (co-testing) every 5 years or they can have HPV testing alone every 5 years.
Breast Cancer Screening
Your provider should offer to perform an in-office clinical breast exam every 1-3 years during your 20s and 30s. Self-breast exams have become a controversial practice in recent years, and most providers don’t recommend them anymore. If you have an increased risk for breast cancer your provider may recommend a mammogram or additional testing before age 40. Risk factors for breast cancer include having a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or other inherited types of cancer and carrying a high-risk genetic marker for breast cancer.
Blood Pressure Screening
Your blood pressure should be taken at each wellness exam to check for early signs of hypertension, which is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. Your provider may recommend earlier screening if you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, obesity, or other health conditions.
Cholesterol Screening
It’s a good idea to get your cholesterol checked once in your 20s. This is especially true if you have risk factors for heart disease and stroke – a family history of heart disease, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and/or smoking.
Diabetes Screening
You should be screened for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes starting at age 35. Screening should be repeated every 3 years if you have certain risk factors, like obesity, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, or a first-degree relative with diabetes.
STI Testing
If you’re sexually active, you should get tested for STIs every year from age 20-25. This can help rule out common infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, that often don’t present with symptoms – but can lead to big problems if left untreated. There is no strict guideline for continuing STI screening, but it’s always available if you have symptoms of an STI or fall into a high-risk category and your doctor recommends getting tested.
Skin Exam
You should start getting yearly full-body skin checks in your 30s.
Hepatitis C/HIV Testing
All adults should get a one-time test for hepatitis C and HIV.
General Health Screenings
Your height, weight, and BMI (body mass index) should be measured at every wellness exam, and there should always be a discussion about diet/exercise, alcohol/tobacco use, medications/interactions, and safety concerns, like intimate partner abuse. Your provider should also assess for mental health issues, like anxiety and depression.
Why Preventive Health Screenings is Important
In your 20s and 30s, your body is still at a stage where prevention and early detection can make a significant impact on your long-term health. By staying ahead of potential health risks with routine screenings, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier future. These early check-ups are not only about catching problems early but also about understanding your body and its unique needs, so you can make informed decisions about your lifestyle and wellness habits.
Now is the time to prioritize your health—before any issues arise. Whether you need a gynecological exam, breast cancer screening, skin check, blood work, or simply a conversation about your family history, every step counts.
Tia offers primary care, gynecological services, skin care, and mental health support—all in one place. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Take charge of your health today. Join Tia and get the personalized care and guidance you need to stay on top of your health, now and in the years to come.
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