Regular checkups and screenings are some of the simplest ways to protect your health. Many serious problems, including cervical and breast cancer, can be found early, before you notice any symptoms, when they’re easiest to treat. This guide covers the main screenings for women, how often you need them, and how Ridgeline Medical in Idaho Falls can help you stay on track at every stage, from your first well-woman visit through menopause and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Cervical cancer screening starts at 21. From 30 to 65, HPV testing every 5 years is a preferred option.
- Mammograms are recommended at least every 2 years from age 40 to 74; some groups recommend yearly. Talk with your provider about what’s right for you.
- A yearly well-woman exam is a good time to review screenings, birth control, hormones and overall health.
- Ridgeline Medical performs Pap and HPV tests and well-woman exams in our clinic, and orders or refers you for mammograms.
Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap and HPV Tests
Cervical cancer screening looks for abnormal cells on the cervix, or for the high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause most cervical cancers. Finding changes early means they can be treated before they ever become cancer.
During the test, your provider uses a small brush to collect cells from the cervix. It takes just a minute or two and may feel like brief pressure or mild cramping. Results usually come back within a few days to a week.
How often to get screened (average risk)
- Ages 21 to 29: a Pap test every 3 years.
- Ages 30 to 65: one of these options:
- Primary HPV testing every 5 years
- A Pap and HPV test together (co-testing) every 5 years
- A Pap test alone every 3 years
- Over 65: many women can stop if they’ve had regular normal results. Ask your provider.
You may need more frequent testing if you’ve had abnormal results, a weakened immune system or other risk factors. If a result comes back abnormal, don’t panic. It usually means you’ll need a repeat test or a closer look, such as a colposcopy.
Breast Cancer Screening: Mammograms
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast. It can find tumors too small to feel. At Ridgeline Medical, your provider will order your mammogram and refer you to a local imaging center, then go over the results with you.
How often to get a mammogram (average risk)
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every 2 years for women ages 40 to 74. Some other medical groups recommend yearly mammograms, especially in your 40s. Both are reasonable, and the best choice depends on your risk factors and preferences. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, a known gene change like BRCA, or dense breasts, you may need to start earlier or add other imaging.
Mammograms are safe. The compression can be uncomfortable for a few seconds, and the radiation dose is very low.
Breast changes to report right away
Screening is important, but so is knowing what’s normal for you. Between mammograms, tell your provider about:
- A new lump, thickening or change in texture in the breast or underarm
- A change in the size or shape of a breast, or new asymmetry
- Dimpling, puckering, swelling, redness or scaly skin on the breast or nipple
- A nipple that turns inward or changes appearance
- Nipple discharge when you’re not breastfeeding, especially if it’s bloody
- Breast pain or tenderness that doesn’t go away
Most breast changes turn out not to be cancer, but every new change deserves a check.
The Well-Woman Exam
A yearly well-woman exam is your chance to look at the big picture. Depending on your age and needs, it may include:
- A review of your health history, family history and medicines
- Blood pressure, weight and other vital signs
- A breast exam and, when due, a pelvic exam and cervical cancer screening
- Birth control and family planning
- Screenings for sexually transmitted infections when appropriate (see STD testing)
- Lab work, such as cholesterol, blood sugar or thyroid tests, through our on-site lab
- Vaccines, including HPV for those eligible (see immunizations)
- Questions about mood, sleep, weight, periods or sexual health
You don’t need a Pap test every year, but a yearly visit still helps catch problems early. For more on yearly checkups, see our guide to annual wellness and preventive care visits.
Perimenopause and Menopause Care
In your 40s and 50s, changing hormone levels can bring irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, mood changes, vaginal dryness and lower libido. These symptoms are common, but you don’t have to just put up with them.
Our providers can talk through your symptoms, check labs if needed, and go over options, from lifestyle changes to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Hormone therapy isn’t right for everyone, so your provider will review your health history, benefits and risks with you. Menopause is also a good time to talk about bone health, heart health and screenings like colon cancer screening.
Other Women’s Health Services at Ridgeline
- Birth control and contraceptive management
- Care for vaginal discomfort, infections and other concerns
- Sexual health and low libido
- Hormone care, including HRT
- Medical weight loss
- Management of chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and thyroid disease
Meet Our Women’s Health Providers
Monica Nealis, PA-C, is an Idaho Falls native and Idaho State University graduate who has focused on women’s health since earning her physician assistant degree in 1997.
Christina Finnerty, FNP-C, is a nationally certified family nurse practitioner and Ridgeline co-owner who has cared for women, men and children since 2003.
Together they bring decades of experience, and you can meet the rest of our team on our providers page.
Scheduling Your Exam
Call 208-715-9990 or text 208-754-5360 to book a well-woman exam or cervical cancer screening, or to ask about getting a mammogram ordered. Bring your insurance card, a list of your medicines and any past screening results. Most insurance plans cover preventive exams; call your plan or our office to verify your coverage.
We’re at 2470 Jafer Ct, Idaho Falls, ID 83404, and serve women from Idaho Falls, Ammon and across East Idaho. Hours are Monday–Thursday 8 AM–8 PM, Friday 8 AM–6 PM and Saturday 9 AM–5 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start getting mammograms?
Most women at average risk should start at 40 and repeat every 1 to 2 years. If you have a family history or other risk factors, talk with your provider about starting earlier.
Do I need a Pap test every year?
No. Most women need a Pap test every 3 years from 21 to 29, and from 30 to 65 can choose HPV testing or co-testing every 5 years, or a Pap every 3 years. A yearly well-woman visit is still a good idea.
Do you do mammograms at Ridgeline?
No. We order your mammogram, refer you to a local imaging center and review the results with you.
What happens if my Pap or HPV test is abnormal?
Your provider will explain the result and next steps. That may be a repeat test in a year, or a closer exam called a colposcopy. Most abnormal results are not cancer.
Taking care of yourself starts with one visit. Learn more about our women’s health services, call 208-715-9990 or text 208-754-5360 to schedule.
