From the Guidelines
For a 35-year-old woman at an annual exam, recommended screening tests include blood pressure measurement, height and weight assessment for BMI calculation, and a clinical breast exam, as well as cervical cancer screening with a Pap test every 3 years or Pap test and HPV co-testing every 5 years 1.
Screening Tests
- Blood pressure measurement
- Height and weight assessment for BMI calculation
- Clinical breast exam
- Cervical cancer screening with a Pap test every 3 years or Pap test and HPV co-testing every 5 years
Additional Recommendations
- Cholesterol screening is recommended every 5 years
- Diabetes screening should be considered if risk factors are present
- A comprehensive physical exam should include skin assessment for concerning lesions
- Depression screening using tools like the PHQ-9 is important for mental health evaluation
- STI screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended for sexually active women with new or multiple partners
- Immunization status should be reviewed, ensuring tetanus-diphtheria boosters are current (every 10 years) and that the woman has received the HPV vaccine if eligible, as stated in the most recent guidelines 1. These screenings are important for early detection of common conditions that affect women in this age group, allowing for timely intervention and improved health outcomes.
From the Research
Recommended Screening Tests
The following screening tests are recommended for a 35-year-old woman at an annual exam:
- Pap smear: a screening test for cervical cancer 2
- Mammography: a screening test for breast cancer 3, 2
- Clinical breast examination: a screening test for breast cancer 3, 2
- Breast self-examination (BSE): a screening test for breast cancer, although compliance may be negatively associated with procedure-specific anxiety 3
Factors Affecting Screening Adherence
Several factors can affect a woman's adherence to these screening tests, including:
- Financial anxiety: associated with lower odds of mammogram, Pap smear, and clinical breast examination adherence 2
- Worry about affording healthcare: associated with lower odds of clinical breast examination adherence 2
- Financial stigma due to cancer risk: associated with lower odds of Pap smear adherence 2
- Disability: may be associated with disparities in cancer screening, although evidence is inconsistent 4