Health screenings to protect your well-being
You can take a proactive approach to your health with screenings. Health screenings assess your risk of certain conditions, identify warning signs before you notice symptoms, and help you develop a smart prevention plan, so you can feel confident in your health journey.
You’ll get the support you need from the primary care and women’s health providers at Baylor Scott & White, who are dedicated to protecting your health with the screenings you need, tailored to your age and level of risk.
Heart health screenings
Heart health screenings help identify your risk for heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Your primary care provider will perform tests to detect:
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar: A screening for diabetes or its precursor, prediabetes
- High cholesterol
You should begin basic heart screenings early in adulthood to establish a baseline. Because heart disease risk increases with age, you may need additional tests as you get older.
These screenings can detect heart problems early, making it easier to manage your symptoms and make your treatment more effective. If some of your test results show any cause for concern, you can start making simple lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to protect your heart health.
Bone health screenings
For most women, bone density declines with age. Because of this, bone density tests are usually recommended for women aged 65 and older.
A bone density test called a DEXA scan measures calcium and other minerals in the bones. This test can identify osteopenia or osteoporosis (loss of bone mass) and estimate your risk of future bone fractures.
Mammograms
Mammograms are a type of health screening that can help your provider identify breast cancer early, when treatments are more likely to be successful.
Mammograms can detect breast lumps when they are too small to be felt and before you notice any breast cancer symptoms. They can also show benign (non-cancerous) conditions, such as cysts and fibroadenomas.
When you should start having screening mammograms and how often you need them depends on your risk for breast cancer. For women at average risk, it’s recommended to start annual screenings at age 40. Talk with your provider about your risk for breast cancer.
Additional cancer screenings
Many women understand the importance of mammograms for breast cancer, but several other health screenings are a crucial part of your healthcare journey.
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Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer screenings can take place during your annual well-woman exams. Your provider will perform a pap smear test, which examines a sample of cells taken from the cervix for precancerous or cancerous changes.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes most cervical cancers, so your provider may also perform an HPV test. This test is like a pap test but looks for the HPV virus instead of cell changes. HPV can be prevented with a vaccine, so talk to your doctor about your options.
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Colorectal cancer
Colonoscopies, considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screenings, use an instrument with a tiny camera to check the colon and rectum for signs of cancer or precancerous growths called polyps. Learn more about colorectal cancer screening.
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Lung cancer
The main risk factor for lung cancer is cigarette smoking. A low-dose CT scan can detect cancer before lung cancer symptoms appear.
These lung cancer screenings require a referral from a provider, but you may qualify for screening if you are between ages 50 and 80 and you smoke or have smoked in the past.
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Skin cancer
Skin cancer is very common. Skin cancer screening involves regularly checking your skin for changes and a yearly examination by your healthcare provider.
Women’s mental health screenings
Mental health often affects women differently. As a result, the treatments may vary between men and women. Your primary care or women’s health provider can screen you for mental health issues and help you find the treatment and resources you need.
Never feel shy or embarrassed about discussing your mental health with your healthcare team. Depression, anxiety and even social isolation can prevent you from living a full life, and your provider can be a valuable resource in finding support.
Health screenings for women by age
The right screenings and schedules for you depend on many factors, including your age, genetic makeup, lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and family and personal medical histories.
The screening guidelines listed below are based on people at average risk. If you have an increased risk for heart disease, cancer or osteoporosis, you may need to begin these screenings earlier or have them more frequently than the timeframes listed below. Your primary care provider can tell you which screenings you need and when, to create a timeline tailored to your needs.
Screenings in your 20s
- Cholesterol: At least every 5 years
- Pap/HPV test: Pap test every 1-3 years or Pap/HPV co-test every 5 years
- Skin exam: Yearly
- Breast exam: Yearly
Screenings in your 30s
- Cholesterol: At least every 5 years
- Pap/HPV test Pap test: every 1-3 years or Pap/HPV co-test every 5 years
- Skin exam: Yearly
- Breast exam: Yearly
Screenings in your 40s
- Cholesterol: At least every 5 years
- Colonoscopy: Recommended to start at age 45
- Mammogram: Yearly, beginning at 40
- Pap/HPV test: Pap test every 1-3 years or Pap/HPV co-test every 5 years
- Skin exam: Yearly
- Breast exam: Yearly
Screenings in your 50s
- Cholesterol: At least every 5 years
- Colonoscopy: Every 10 years or based on risk
- Lung cancer screening: Annually, if you qualify, starting at 50
- Mammogram: Yearly
- Pap/HPV test: Pap test every 1-3 years or Pap/HPV co-test every 5 years
- Skin exam: Yearly
- Breast exam: Yearly
Screenings in your 60s
- Bone density: DEXA scan at age 65
- Cholesterol: At least every 5 years
- Colonoscopy: Every 10 years or based on risk
- Lung cancer screening: Annually, if you qualify
- Mammogram: Yearly
- Pap/HPV test: Pap test every 1-3 years or Pap/HPV co-test every 5 years
- Skin exam: Yearly
- Breast exam: Yearly
Screenings at age 70+
- Cholesterol: At least every 5 years
- Colonoscopy: Every 10 years or based on risk
- Lung cancer screening: Annually, if you qualify, until age 80
- Mammogram: Yearly
- Skin exam: Yearly
- Breast exam: Yearly
Find a location near you
Your OBGYN or gynecologist can help you understand which screenings you need and when. Find a provider at a Baylor Scott & White women’s health center in your neighborhood.
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Rockwall
1005 W Ralph Hall Pkwy Ste 115, Rockwall, TX, 75032- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Rowlett
9500 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 205, Frisco, TX, 75035- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Garland
530 Clara Barton Blvd Ste 100, Garland, TX, 75042- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco
5601 Warren Pkwy , Frisco, TX, 75034Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093Baylor Scott & White Park Lane OB/GYN Associates
9101 N Central Expy Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75231- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Dallas
3920 Worth St , Dallas, TX, 75246- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Women's Health Group
3600 Gaston Ave Wadley Tower, Ste 1158, Dallas, TX, 75246- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving
1901 N MacArthur Blvd , Irving, TX, 75061Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Grapevine
1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 370, Grapevine, TX, 76051- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Grapevine
2040 W State Highway 114 , Grapevine, TX, 76051- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology - Waxahachie
2460 N Interstate 35E Ste 225, Waxahachie, TX, 75165- Monday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie
2400 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712Baylor Scott & White OB/GYN Clinic - Waco
120 Hillcrest Medical Blvd Office Building 2, Ste 201-2, Waco, TX, 76712- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station
700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Santa Fe
1402 W Avenue H , Temple, TX, 76504- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple Professional Plaza II
1713 SW H K Dodgen Loop Bldg II, Ste 100, Temple, TX, 76502- Monday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham
700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Brenham Hwy 290
604 Highway 290 W , Brenham, TX, 77833- Monday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Salado
213 Millcreek Dr Ste 190, Salado, TX, 76571- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Harker Heights
907 Mountain Lion Cir , Harker Heights, TX, 76548- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Killeen Hemingway
2405 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock
300 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 302 University
302 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Ste 200, Pflugerville, TX, 78660- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Pflugerville
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Ste 100, Pflugerville, TX, 78660Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Cedar Park
910 E Whitestone Blvd , Cedar Park, TX, 78613- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin North Burnet
2608 Brockton Dr , Austin, TX, 78758- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin
5245 West US Highway 290 Service Rd , Austin, TX, 78735Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway
100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Lakeway
200 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Buda
5330 Overpass Rd , Buda, TX, 78610Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Marble Falls
800 W State Highway 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm