5 Women’s Health Screenings You Need in 2026

Health screenings play an integral role in preventing disease and optimizing wellness, particularly as you age. Staying up-to-date on screenings is one of the most important things you can do to play a more proactive role in your own health; it also gives you a way to keep “small” issues from becoming major problems.

In this month’s blog, our Eve Medical of Miami team is here to review five health screenings you should consider scheduling in 2026, to help make it a year of optimal wellness focused on your unique health history, lifestyle, and wellness goals.

1. Annual well-woman exam

Your annual well-woman exam acts as the foundation for preventive care, giving our team the opportunity to review your medical history, discuss symptoms or changes since your last visit, perform key examinations, and recommend treatments and other screenings to improve your health and wellness.

As a screening tool, your annual wellness exam provides a forum for discussion of your health and lifestyle concerns, as well as a time to set goals for the coming year. It’s also a great way to stay current on vaccines and to discuss mental health concerns, like feelings of anxiety or depression. And finally, your annual exam keeps track of health indicators, like blood pressure, to help spot subtle changes in the future.

2. Cervical cancer screening

Having regular Pap smears or HPV tests — or both — is an essential part of reducing your risk of developing cervical cancer and other cancers, too. The CDC recommends regular testing for all sexually active women beginning at the age of 21.

Both tests use special techniques to identify abnormal changes in your cervical cells typically years before those changes cause any noticeable symptoms — even before cancer develops. Early detection paves the way for simpler treatment regimens and better outcomes overall. 

3. Breast cancer screening

Aside from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Mammograms help detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, typically long before symptoms are noticeable.

For most women, regular screening mammograms begin at the age of 40, but if you have risk factors for breast cancer (i.e., family history), we may recommend earlier or more frequent screening. We’ll also perform a manual check of your breasts and local lymph nodes (clinical breast exam) during your annual well-woman visit.

4. Bone density scan

This preventive scan measures the density of your bone tissue. Early bone loss can be a sign of increased risk of osteoporosis — literally, “porous bones” — a condition that becomes far more common during menopause.

Screening usually begins in your fifties, but depending on your health history and other risk factors, we may recommend obtaining a baseline measurement at an earlier age. Bone density screening is noninvasive, easy, and painless.

5. STD screenings

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are very common, yet most cause few or no symptoms in their earliest stages. Regular STD screening helps diagnose infections as early as possible, so you can begin treatment to prevent complications and avoid spreading an infection to someone else.

The CDC and other agencies maintain recommendations for STD screening based on your age, level of sexual activity, and other risk factors. Our team can help you decide which testing is best for your sexual wellness and health needs.

Be proactive about your health

Good health takes some work, and getting the right screenings helps lay a solid foundation. To find out which screenings are right for your evolving health needs, request an appointment with our team at Eve Medical of Miami in Miami, Florida, today.