Essential Screenings Every Woman Should Keep on Top Of

Most women are busy taking care of everyone else. Work, family, schedules. It’s a lot, so it’s not surprising that preventive care sometimes gets pushed aside.

But many serious health conditions don’t show symptoms early, and screenings help us catch them before they become bigger problems.

At Invision Sally Jobe, we focus on imaging that supports early detection and clear answers. During Women’s Health Awareness Month, it’s a good time to step back and ask: Am I up to date on the screenings that matter most?

Let’s walk through a few of the most important ones.

Breast cancer screening: more than just a routine test

Breast cancer screening is one of the most important tools we have for early detection — and early detection saves lives.

At Invision Sally Jobe, we support evidence-based recommendations that all women age 40 and older receive annual screening mammograms. Regular yearly screening helps detect breast cancer earlier, often before symptoms develop, when treatment may be simpler, and outcomes are typically better.

For some women, mammograms are only one part of the picture.

Depending on factors like breast density, family history, personal risk, or prior findings, additional imaging may also be recommended. This can include:

• Screening breast ultrasound
• Breast MRI
• Diagnostic breast imaging for closer evaluation

Our team offers comprehensive breast imaging services designed to provide clearer answers and more personalized screening when needed.

Bone density screening: protecting your future mobility

Bone health often flies under the radar. Until it doesn’t.

A DEXA scan (bone density test) measures how strong your bones are and helps detect osteoporosis before a fracture happens.

Guidelines recommend bone density screening for women over 65, or earlier if you’ve gone through menopause or have risk factors.

This screening is especially important because osteoporosis develops quietly. You won’t feel your bones getting weaker, but a scan can catch those changes early, when you can still do something about them.

Lung cancer screening

Most people associate lung cancer screening with smoking history — and for good reason. But many women don’t realize that early detection can make a major difference before symptoms ever appear.

Low-dose CT lung screening is designed for people at higher risk for lung cancer, particularly adults with a significant smoking history. The scan is fast and noninvasive, and it uses a lower dose of radiation than a standard CT scan.

What makes this screening so valuable is that lung cancer often develops behind the scenes. Symptoms may not appear until the disease has already progressed.

At Invision Sally Jobe, we offer low-dose CT lung screening at multiple locations across Colorado, helping you take a proactive step toward protecting your long-term health.

Vascular and heart health imaging

Heart health isn’t just a concern later in life. For many women, early changes in vascular health can go unnoticed.

Coronary artery calcium screening can detect early signs of cardiovascular disease before symptoms appear.

Not every woman needs these tests routinely, but your doctor may recommend them based on your risk factors.

That’s why screening should always be personalized.

Other important screenings to keep in mind

While imaging plays a key role in early detection, it’s not the whole picture.

Depending on your age and health history, your doctor may also recommend screenings like cervical cancer testing, colon cancer screening, and routine blood work to monitor heart health and blood sugar.

These tests work alongside imaging to give you a more complete view of your health.

Screening isn’t one-size-fits-all

Here’s something we always emphasize: Not every woman needs every test at the same time. Your screening plan depends on your:

• Age
• Family history
• Personal health history
• Risk factors

That’s why it’s important to have a physician who looks at the full picture, rather than just a checklist.

During Women’s Health Awareness Month, it’s a good time to check in with yourself and ask whether you’re up to date.

If it’s been a while since your last screening or you’re not sure what you need, check in with your medical team, and schedule an appointment at any of several Colorado Invision Sally Jobe locations. 

We’re located in Littleton, Aurora, Denver, Parker, Golden, Greenwood Village, and Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado.

A simple check-in today can make a meaningful difference in your health tomorrow.