According to India’s National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and FOGSI recommendations, women should undergo age-appropriate screening throughout life.
Adolescents (10–19 years)
- Height, weight, BMI monitoring
- Anaemia screening (Haemoglobin)
- Menstrual health assessment
- Nutrition counselling
- Mental health screening
- HPV vaccination (9–14 years)
Why?
Early detection of anaemia, nutritional deficiencies, menstrual disorders, and prevention of cervical cancer through vaccination.
Young women (20–29 years)
- Annual blood pressure check
- BMI and obesity assessment
- Anaemia screening
- Thyroid screening (if symptoms/risk factors)
- Sexual and reproductive health counselling
- Cervical cancer screening may begin from age 25 in eligible women, depending on local protocols and risk factors.
Why?
To identify lifestyle diseases, reproductive health issues, thyroid disorders, and early cervical abnormalities.
Women aged 30–39 years
- Blood pressure screening (yearly)
- Diabetes screening
- Oral cancer screening
- Cervical cancer screening
- Clinical breast examination (every 1–3 years)
- Thyroid screening
- Lipid profile
- Anaemia screening
Why?
The Government of India recommends population-based screening for hypertension, diabetes, and common cancers beginning at 30 years of age. Cervical and breast cancer screening should also start in this age group.
Women aged 40–49 years
- Annual blood pressure check
- Annual diabetes screening
- Cervical cancer screening
- Annual clinical breast examination
- Mammography if advised by doctor
- Lipid profile
- Thyroid function tests
- Eye examination
Why?
Risk of breast cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders increases significantly after 40 years.
Women aged 50–64 years
- Mammography every 1–2 years (as advised)
- Cervical cancer screening until 65 years
- Diabetes screening
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Lipid profile
- Bone health assessment
- Vision and hearing assessment
Why?
Postmenopausal women have increased risk of breast cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders.
Women aged 65 years and above
- Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Diabetes screening
- Vision and hearing screening
- Fall-risk assessment
- Cognitive and mental health assessment
Why?
To maintain independence, prevent fractures, and detect age-related diseases early.
Pregnancy-Specific screening (All reproductive ages)
During pregnancy
- Regular antenatal visits
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Haemoglobin screening
- Blood sugar testing
- Thyroid screening
- Blood group and Rh typing
- Ultrasound scans:
- Viability scan (6–8 weeks)
- NT scan (11–13+6 weeks)
- Anomaly scan (18–22 weeks)
- Growth scan (28–32 weeks)
- Late growth scan (36–38 weeks)
10 Key messages for women’s health screening
- Regular health check-ups save lives.
- Start screening for hypertension and diabetes from age 30.
- Cervical cancer screening is recommended from 30 years in population-based Indian programs.
- Perform regular breast self-awareness and clinical breast examinations.
- Ensure complete vaccination, including HPV vaccination.
- Monitor hemoglobin levels to prevent anemia.
- Prioritize maternal health and antenatal care.
- Follow a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.
- Attend routine follow-up appointments even when healthy.
- Early detection leads to better treatment outcomes and healthier lives.
Healthy Women • Healthy Families • Healthy Future.
