Health Screenings for Women 65+
As we get older, our health needs change—and so do the types of health screenings we need. Screenings are tests that help find problems before you feel sick. They’re one of the best ways to catch issues early, when they’re easiest to treat.
For women over 65, many health screenings are still important. Others may change or stop, depending on your personal health history. Knowing what to expect and when to ask your doctor is a big step in staying healthy and independent.
Here’s what you need to know about women’s health screenings after age 65.
Mammograms: Breast Health Matters
What It Is: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that checks for signs of breast cancer.
Why It Matters: Breast cancer becomes more common as we age. While most women are advised to get yearly mammograms starting at age 40, many women over 65 still benefit from regular mammograms, especially if they are in good health.
How Often: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every two years for women ages 50 to 74. After 75, it depends on your health and preferences—talk to your doctor.
What’s Next: If your mammogram shows something unusual, your doctor may order more tests like an ultrasound or biopsy. Many follow-ups are precautionary, not cause for panic.
Bone Density Scans: Protecting Against Fractures
What It Is: Also called a DEXA scan, this test measures your bone strength.
Why It Matters: Women are at higher risk for osteoporosis, especially after menopause. That’s because estrogen—a hormone that helps protect bones—drops sharply during this time. Over the years, this can lead to bone thinning and a higher risk of fractures from simple falls or even small movements.
How Often: Women 65 and older should have a bone density scan at least once. If your bones are healthy, you may not need another for several years.
What’s Next: If your scan shows bone loss, your doctor may recommend a combination of diet changes (including more calcium and vitamin D), strength-based exercises, or medications to keep bones stronger.
Pelvic Exams and Pap Smears: What changes after 65?
What It Is: A pelvic exam checks your uterus and ovaries. A Pap smear looks for signs of cervical cancer.
Why It Matters: Cervical cancer is rare after 65—but only if you’ve had regular Pap smears with normal results before then.
How Often: You may be able to stop Pap smears after age 65 if you’ve had three normal tests in the past 10 years and no history of cancer or other risk factors. Pelvic exams may still be needed based on symptoms or medical history.
What’s Next: If you have new symptoms like bleeding, discomfort, or unusual discharge, talk to your doctor right away. You may need more testing.
Colon Cancer Screenings: Age Isn’t the Only Factor
What It Is: This includes tests like colonoscopy, stool sample kits, or virtual scans that look for colon cancer or polyps.
Why It Matters: Colon cancer often starts with small growths in the colon called polyps. Finding and removing them early can prevent cancer.
How Often: Most people stop colon cancer screenings after age 75—but if you’re healthy and haven’t been screened in a while, your doctor may still recommend it. You may also need more frequent screenings if you’ve had polyps before or have other risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), or a personal history of certain cancers.
What’s Next: If a test finds a polyp or other issue, your doctor will talk to you about treatment or monitoring.
Other Health Screenings to Keep on Your Radar
Here are a few more screenings that matter for women over 65:
Blood Pressure Checks: High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. Check it at every doctor visit, and consider checking it at home more frequently.
Cholesterol Tests: High cholesterol also raises heart risk. Ask your doctor how often to test.
Diabetes Screening: A blood sugar test like A1C can catch prediabetes early. Many older adults have prediabetes and don’t know it. If untreated, it can turn into Type 2 diabetes, which increases your risk for heart problems, nerve damage, and kidney disease. Early detection means you can make small changes that make a big difference.
Vision and Hearing Checks: Trouble seeing or hearing can raise your risk of falls, confusion, and feeling isolated from others. These checks help keep you safe and socially connected.
Immunizations: Staying up to date on shots like flu, COVID-19, shingles, and pneumonia is one of the easiest ways to avoid serious illness. These infections hit older adults harder and can lead to hospitalization—or worse. Vaccines help protect your health and reduce the risk of complications.
Who should you talk to?
Your primary care doctor is the best place to start. They can help you:
Understand which tests you need and when
Order the screenings or refer you to a specialist
Explain what your results mean and what happens next
If you don’t have a primary care doctor, Medicare can help you find one. You can also ask about scheduling these screenings during your yearly “Wellness Visit.”
After the Tests: What happens next?
Screenings are just the first step. Once you have your results, your doctor will walk you through what they mean and what to do next.
For normal results, they’ll help you plan your next screening. If something looks unusual, don’t panic. Many follow-ups are precautionary. Your doctor might recommend more testing, a new medication, or a visit with a specialist.
The most important thing? Keep asking questions. You deserve to understand what’s happening with your health—and to feel confident in your care.
Stay Informed, Stay Independent
Staying on top of women’s health screenings is one of the best ways to protect your health and independence. These tests help catch small issues before they become bigger ones—and they’re often fully covered by Medicare.
If you’re not sure where to begin, make a list of questions and talk to your doctor. Getting screened might feel routine, but it’s one of the most powerful things you can do to stay healthy as you age.
Sources:
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/screening/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/cervical-cancer/screening/index.html
National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007463.htm
Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services