Prevention Is Powerful: The Screenings Every Woman Should Know About

May is Women’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preventive care and empowering women to take charge of their health.

When it comes to your health, how you feel isn’t always the full picture.

Many of the most serious conditions affecting women—including breast cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and lung cancer—can develop silently, without noticeable symptoms. By the time something feels wrong, the condition may already be advanced.

That’s why preventive care matters. Screening exams are designed to detect changes early—often before symptoms begin—when treatment options are broader and outcomes are better. This Women’s Health Month, we’re focusing on one powerful idea: prevention isn’t reactive—it’s proactive.

Seeing What Can’t Be Felt: Mammography

Mammography continues to play a central role in the early detection of breast cancer. Annual screening mammograms are recommended beginning at age 40, even for women with no symptoms.

Today’s technology goes even further. 3D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis) captures multiple images of the breast from different angles, allowing radiologists to examine tissue in thin layers. This improves visibility and reduces the chance that important details are hidden by overlapping tissue.

There are two main types of mammograms:

• Screening mammograms, which are routine exams for women without symptoms
• Diagnostic mammograms, used when there are specific concerns such as a lump, pain, or unusual changes

A screening appointment typically takes about 30 minutes, while a diagnostic exam may take closer to an hour and can include additional imaging, such as ultrasound. Most importantly, mammography can often detect abnormalities before they can be felt—making early detection possible. Screening mammograms do not require a referral.

Protecting Your Bones Before Problems Begin: DEXA Scans

Bone loss doesn’t happen overnight—and it often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs.

A DEXA scan (bone densitometry) is the most accurate way to measure bone density and assess for osteoporosis. This quick, painless exam takes about 15 minutes and can help identify bone loss early, before it leads to serious injury.

Osteoporosis is sometimes called a “silent disease” because there are no symptoms in its early stages. A preventive DEXA scan allows you and your provider to take action early—whether that means lifestyle changes, supplements, or treatment—to help maintain bone strength and reduce fracture risk over time.

Understanding Your Heart Risk: CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women—and it often develops without warning.

A CT cardiac calcium score is a fast, non-invasive scan that measures calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. This produces a personalized calcium score that helps assess your risk for coronary artery disease, even before symptoms appear.

The exam takes about 15 minutes, requires no injections, and involves only brief breath-holds. It is especially useful for adults ages 40–75 who may have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history, or a family history of heart disease.

For some, the results provide peace of mind. For others, they offer an early warning—allowing for preventive steps that may reduce the risk of a future heart attack.

Detecting Lung Cancer Early: Low-Dose CT Screening

Lung cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage because symptoms may not appear right away. Low-dose CT (LDCT) screening is designed to change that.

This quick, non-invasive scan looks for small lung nodules that could represent early cancer—often before symptoms develop. Early detection significantly improves treatment success and survival rates.

LDCT screening is recommended for individuals who:

• Are between ages 50–80
• Have a history of smoking
• Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

If a nodule is found, it’s important to remember that the vast majority are not cancerous. In many cases, follow-up imaging is all that’s needed to monitor for changes. Speak with your provider if you feel this exam could be the right fit for you.

A Small Step Today, A Healthier Tomorrow

Preventive screenings aren’t just routine appointments—they’re powerful tools for protecting your future.

Each of these exams—mammography, DEXA, cardiac calcium scoring, and lung cancer screening—offers a different piece of the picture. Together, they help detect risk early, guide informed decisions, and support long-term health.

This May, take advantage of Women’s Health Month as a reminder to prioritize prevention. Because taking action before symptoms begin isn’t just smart—it’s one of the most important steps you can take for your health.