When life gets busy, it’s easy to push off routine health appointments. But when it comes to women’s health, staying on top of preventive care is one of the most powerful things we can do to protect our health and well-being.
Your primary care provider (PCP) is your partner in prevention, helping you catch potential issues early and stay on top of what matters most. Not sure where to start? Here are the top five screenings every woman should prioritize this year—and how your PCP can guide you through them.
Pap Smear & HPV Screening
Cervical cancer is highly preventable when caught early. A Pap smear is essential for women’s health as it screens for abnormal cells that could lead to cancer, and HPV testing checks for high-risk strains of the virus that cause most cervical cancers.
- Who needs it? Women ages 21-65, with frequency depending on age and previous results.
- Why it matters: Regular screening can detect changes early—often before cancer ever develops.
Mammogram
Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women, but early detection makes a big difference. Mammograms are X-rays of the breast used to find tumors that may be too small to feel.
- Who needs it? Women 40 and older should discuss their personal risk with a PCP to determine when to begin screening.
- Why it matters: Detecting breast cancer early can lead to more treatment options and better outcomes and is essential for women’s health overall.
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Checks
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. But here’s the good news—your PCP can monitor your risk and help you manage it.
- Who needs it? All adult women, starting in their 20s, should have regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks.
- Why it matters: High blood pressure and cholesterol often have no symptoms—until something serious happens.
Diabetes Screening
Diabetes affects millions of women and increases the risk of heart disease, kidney problems, and more. Your PCP can check for it with a simple blood test.
- Who needs it? Women 35 and older should be screened at least every 3 years; earlier or more frequent if overweight, pregnant, or have a family history.
- Why it matters: Catching prediabetes or early diabetes means you can make changes before complications arise.
Bone Density Test
Women are at greater risk for osteoporosis, especially after menopause. A bone density test can help prevent fractures by identifying low bone mass early.
- Who needs it? Women 65 and older—or younger if at higher risk due to family history or lifestyle.
- Why it matters: Knowing your bone health now helps you avoid falls and breaks later. Our sports medicine specialist can recommend lifestyle modifications and vitamin supplementation to help with better bone health.
Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit with Complete Health Partners Primary Care
These screenings aren’t just boxes to check—they’re opportunities to take charge of women’s health. Your primary care provider will tailor screening recommendations based on your age, risk factors, and personal health goals.
At Complete Health Partners, we’re here to make it easy. Whether you’re due for a checkup or have a specific concern, our primary care team offers same-week appointments in Nashville and Hendersonville to help women reach their health goals. Women’s health should be a priority, make it yours today and establish care with a primary care provider.
6749 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
629.203.7858
9am – 7pm, 7 days a week
166 E Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.991.2855
9am – 7pm, 7 Days a week