More screening is not automatically better, and too little means missing things that are treatable when caught early. What follows is a general framework for women without symptoms or specific risk factors; anyone with a relevant family history or unusual symptoms should follow individual advice.
Ages 21-29: cervical screening by Pap smear every three years. HPV vaccination still offers benefit in this age group even after becoming sexually active. An annual gynecological review for general assessment.
Ages 30-39: Pap smear combined with HPV testing every five years, which is more accurate than cytology alone. Consider hormone assessment if periods become irregular or if there are fertility concerns.
Ages 40-49: begin the conversation about mammography. Continue cervical screening. Assess perimenopausal symptoms, and start paying attention to pelvic floor health, which commonly changes during this decade and is easier to address early.
Age 50 and above: mammography as advised. Bone density assessment, particularly after menopause. And a specific review of vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms — both extremely common at this stage, both highly treatable, and both routinely left unmentioned because women assume they are simply part of ageing.