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
Flexible sigmoidoscopy (with fecal occult blood test is preferred)^10,11			Every 5 years (if not having a colonoscopy)	Every 5 years (if not having a colonoscopy)
Double contrast barium enema (DCBE)^10,11			Every 5–10 years (if not having a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy)	Every 5–10 years (if not having a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy)
Colonoscopy^10,11			Every 10 years	Every 10 years
Rectal exam^10,11	Discuss with your doctor or nurse.	Discuss with your doctor or nurse.	Every 5–10 years with each screening (sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or DCBE)	Every 5–10 years with each screening (sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or DCBE)
Eye and ear health: Complete eye exam¹²	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).	Every 2–4 years	Every 2–4 years	Every 1–2 years
Hearing test¹³	Starting at age 18, then every 10 years	Every 10 years	Every 3 years	Every 3 years

Current as of March 2008