Preventative Screenings for a 50-Year-Old Female

Breast Cancer Screening

The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammography for women starting at age 45-50 years 1
Clinical breast examination (CBE) should be performed annually as part of a periodic health examination, according to the American Cancer Society 2, 3
Breast self-examination (BSE) is optional but women should be educated about breast symptoms and prompt reporting of any changes, as recommended by the American Cancer Society 2, 3

The American Cancer Society recommends beginning regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45-50 years with one of the following options: annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or high-sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (FOBT), multitarget stool DNA test every 3 years, colonoscopy every 10 years, CT colonography every 5 years, or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years 1, 2, 3, 4
All positive results on non-colonoscopy screening tests should be followed with timely colonoscopy, as recommended by the American Cancer Society 1

The American Cancer Society recommends screening every 5 years with both HPV test and Pap test (preferred) for women aged 30-65 years, or every 3 years with Pap test alone 1
Women who have had a total hysterectomy (with removal of the cervix) for benign reasons can discontinue screening, according to the American Cancer Society 4

Annual blood pressure check is recommended, as stated by the American Heart Association 5
Fasting lipid profile every 6-12 months and fasting glucose test every 6-12 months to screen for diabetes are recommended, according to the American Heart Association 5

Consider bone densitometry (DEXA scan) for women at risk for premature bone loss, such as postmenopausal status, family history of osteoporosis, low body weight, smoking, and certain medications, as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 1, 5

Depression screening annually is recommended, as stated by the American Psychological Association 5
Thyroid, skin, oral cavity, and lymph node examination as part of a periodic health examination are recommended, according to the American Cancer Society 2, 3
Endometrial cancer: Women at menopause should be informed about risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer and encouraged to report unexpected bleeding or spotting, as recommended by the American Cancer Society 1

Annual influenza vaccine is recommended, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 5
Tetanus-diphtheria booster if not received in the past 10 years and pneumococcal vaccine as recommended by current guidelines are recommended, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 5

Single stool sample collected during digital rectal examination is not an adequate substitute for the recommended at-home procedure for colorectal cancer screening, as stated by the American Cancer Society 2, 3
Toilet bowl FOBT tests are not recommended for colorectal cancer screening, according to the American Cancer Society 2, 3
Overscreening can lead to unnecessary procedures and anxiety; follow recommended intervals for each screening test, as recommended by the American Cancer Society 4

Women with a family history of breast cancer may need earlier or more frequent screening, as recommended by the American Cancer Society 2
Women with HIV infection or who are immunocompromised may require more frequent cervical cancer screening, according to the American Cancer Society 4
Women with a history of cervical cancer or high-grade precancerous lesions require different follow-up protocols, as recommended by the American Cancer Society 4