Screening Tests and Immunizations Guidelines for Women (Part 3 of 4)

These charts are guidelines only. Your doctor or nurse will personalize the timing of each test and immunization to meet your health care needs.

Screening tests	Ages 18–39	Ages 40–49	Ages 50–64	Ages 65 and older
Colorectal health (use 1 of these 3 methods): Fecal occult blood test			Yearly	Yearly. Older than age 75, discuss with your doctor.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy (with fecal occult blood test)			Every 5 years	Every 5 years. Older than age 75, discuss with your doctor.
Colonoscopy			Every 10 years	Every 10 years. Older than age 75, discuss with your doctor.
Eye and ear health: Complete eye exam	At least once between the ages 20–29 and at least twice between the ages 30–39, or any time that you have a problem with your eye(s).	Get an exam at age 40, then every 2–4 years or as your doctor advises.	Every 2–4 years or as your doctor advises you	Every 1–2 years
Hearing test	Starting at age 18, then every 10 years	Every 10 years	Every 3 years	Every 3 years

Content last updated March 6, 2009.