Cancer Screening for Women: What You Actually Need and When

The Screenings Most Women Skip — and Why That’s a Problem

I see this pattern regularly: a woman comes in for fertility or obstetric care, we discuss her general health, and it turns out she’s never had a Pap smear. Or she’s 45 and hasn’t had a mammogram. Not because she doesn’t care about her health — but because no one sat her down and told her clearly what she needs and when.

Cancer screening works when it’s done on schedule — because many cancers are highly treatable when caught early and far more difficult when caught late. Here’s what every woman should know.

Cervical Cancer: One of the Most Preventable Cancers

Cervical cancer is almost entirely caused by HPV — human papillomavirus. It’s preventable with vaccination and detectable early with screening. And yet it remains one of the most common cancers in Indian women, largely because screening rates are low.

Pap Smear

A Pap smear collects cells from the cervix to check for abnormal changes before they become cancer. It’s done in the clinic in about 5 minutes — a small brush samples the cervix. Mild discomfort for a moment, nothing more.

Who needs it: All women 21–65 who are or have been sexually active
How often: Every 3 years (or every 5 years combined with HPV test after age 30)

HPV Vaccination

Ideally given before sexual activity begins (ages 9–14), but beneficial up to age 26 and considered in some cases up to 45. This vaccination prevents the strains of HPV that cause the vast majority of cervical cancers.

Breast Cancer Screening

Mammogram

A low-dose X-ray that can detect tumours years before they become palpable.
When to start: Age 40 (earlier if first-degree relative had breast cancer before 50)
How often: Annually or every 2 years — discuss with your doctor based on your risk

Know Your Breasts

Be familiar with how your breasts look and feel. Report any new lump, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, discharge, or change in size or shape to your doctor promptly.

Endometrial Cancer: Symptoms to Never Ignore

There’s no routine screening test for endometrial (uterine) cancer. But there is a very reliable symptom: postmenopausal bleeding. Any bleeding after 12 months without a period must be investigated — it’s not “just your body adjusting.” An ultrasound and possibly an endometrial biopsy will be done to rule out cancer.

Ovarian Cancer: The Silent One

Ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to detect early — there’s no reliable screening test for average-risk women. Awareness is key. If you experience persistent bloating, early fullness when eating, pelvic or abdominal pain, or urinary urgency — especially lasting more than 2–3 weeks — don’t dismiss it.