Breast health and breast cancer as you age
May 15, 2026
Christina J. Kim, MD, breast surgical oncologist at Ascension St. Vincent in Fishers, Indiana, shares why even after age 50, you should still follow breast screening guidelines.
Your story matters
Your story matters
An Indianapolis mother of three shares her cervical cancer diagnosis — and why screening and HPV testing matter.
Bridget’s story
Indianapolis mother of three Bridget Parker was diagnosed with stage 3C cervical cancer after a routine screening. Now undergoing treatment at Ascension St. Vincent, she’s sharing her experience to raise awareness about symptoms that can be easy to dismiss and how HPV testing is improving early detection.
Her story highlights why staying current with screenings — and talking with a provider about the right approach for you — matters.
Women’s preventive healthcare guide
Screening recommendations may vary based on your personal risk factors and family history. Talk with your healthcare provider about the screening schedule that’s right for you.
Checkups & exams
- Physical exam: Annually
- Blood pressure/pulse: Annually
- Eye exam: As recommended by provider
- Dental exam: Twice a year
- Skin exam: As needed
Labs
- Typically not required unless risk factors are present
Immunizations
- Tdap: As scheduled. Age usually 11 or 12 (booster every 10 years).
- Flu: Annually
- HPV: Recommended starting at age 11 or 12. Consult your provider for earlier age options.
Screenings
- Talk with a provider about individual needs
Checkups & exams
- Physical exam: Annually
- Blood pressure/pulse: Annually
- Eye exam: Every 2 years
- Dental exam: Twice a year
- Skin exam: Every 2 years
Labs
- Cholesterol: Starting at age 19, then as recommended (typically every 5 years)
- Blood sugar: Usually not needed unless risk factors
Immunizations
- Tdap: Every 10 years
- Pregnant mothers should be immunized between 27-36 weeks gestation, during every pregnancy regardless of previous vaccination history. Care partner and grandparents should get a single dose if they have not previously received it as an adult, at least two weeks before meeting the baby.
- Flu: Annually
- HPV: Recommended through age 45 (consult your provider)
Screenings
- Cervical cancer (Pap test): Every 3 years
- Pelvic exam: Annually
- Breast self-exam: Monthly
Checkups & exams
- Physical exam: Annually
- Blood pressure/pulse: Annually
- Eye exam: Every 2 years
- Dental exam: Twice a year
- Skin exam: Every 2 years
Labs
- Cholesterol: Every 5 years
- Blood sugar: Every 3 years starting at age 35. Consult your provider for recommendations.
Immunizations
- Tdap: Every 10 years
- Pregnant mothers should be immunized between 27-36 weeks gestation, during every pregnancy regardless of previous vaccination history. Care partner and grandparents should get a single dose if they have not previously received it as an adult, at least two weeks before meeting the baby.
- Flu: Annually
Screenings
- Cervical cancer:
- Every 5 years (Pap + HPV co-testing)
- Pelvic exam: Annually
- Breast self-exam: Monthly
- Clinical breast exam: Every 1-3 years. May be recommended more frequently if you are high risk
Checkups & exams
- Physical exam: Annually
- Blood pressure/pulse: Annually
- Eye exam: Every 1–2 years
- Dental exam: Twice a year
- Skin exam: Annually
Labs
- Cholesterol: Every 5 years
- Blood sugar: Every 3 years starting at age 45
Immunizations
- Tdap: Every 10 years
- Flu: Annually
Screenings
- Breast cancer:
- Mammogram: Baseline at age 40, then annually
- Risk level may require higher frequency. Breast MRI may be recommended for women with extremely dense breast tissue. Consult your provider.
- Clinical breast exam: Annually
- Breast self-exam: Monthly
- Mammogram: Baseline at age 40, then annually
- Cervical cancer screening:
- Pap Smear: Every 5 years depending on testing method
- Colon cancer screening:
- Colonoscopy: Begins at age 45. Every 10 years. Frequency may change based on results and provider recommendation.
Checkups & exams
- Physical exam: Annually
- Blood pressure/pulse: Annually
- Eye exam: Every 1–2 years (annually after age 60)
- Shingles: Starts at age 50 (1 time. 2-dose series)
- Pneumococcal vaccine: Start at age 50 (1 time. 2-dose series)
- RSV: Consult your provider
Screenings
- Breast cancer:
- Mammogram: Annually
- Clinical breast exam: Annually
- Cervical cancer:
- Pap test: Every 5 years
- Colon cancer:
- Colonoscopy: Frequency may change based on results and provider recommendation.
Checkups & exams
- Physical exam: Annually
- Blood pressure/pulse: Annually (more often if indicated)
- Eye exam: Annually
- Dental exam: Twice a year
- Skin exam: Annually
Labs
- Cholesterol: Annually or every 1–2 years
- Blood sugar: Every 3 years
Immunizations
- Tdap: Every 10 years
- Flu: Annually
- Pneumonia: At age 65 (per provider guidance)
- Shingles: As recommended
- Pneumococcal vaccine: Continue as your provider recommends
- RSV: Consult your provider
- Age 75+: One-time dose
Screenings
- Breast cancer:
- Mammogram: Annually
- Cervical cancer:
- Screening may stop after 65 depending on history; confirm with provider
- Colon cancer:
- Colonoscopy: Frequency may change based on results and provider recommendation.
- Bone density:
- Begin at age 65
Take the next step in your care
Stay up to date with recommended screenings and talk with a women’s health provider about what’s right for you.
Play with heart
Caitlin Clark knows that playing with heart is the key to winning. We believe your heart is the key to everything you do. From your biggest goals to your smallest daily victories, let’s keep your heart strong.
Anything but routine
Caitlin Clark's routine keeps her focused, happy and healthy. At Ascension St. Vincent, we're here to help you find a routine that does the same for you.
Stories you'll love
Ann Andersen has spent her 60 years caring for patients and building lasting connections across generations of nurses at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville.
Mother of three shares her cervical cancer journey
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An Indianapolis mother of three shares a message of hope while undergoing cervical cancer treatment at Ascension St. Vincent.
Hormone therapy is an option to treat menopause
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Susan Benson, MD, gynecologist at Ascension St. Vincent Women’s Health, shares why women don’t have to suffer through menopause with a personalized treatment plan.
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Miranda Wahnsiedler, MSN, BS, AGCNS-BC, RNC-OB, C-ONQS, was recognized by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses for her dedication to the improvement of women’s health.
The new Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, IN, was thoughtfully designed to promote healing and reduce anxiety through intentional choices, while honoring heritage and community.
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The new Ascension St. Vincent Brain and Spine Hospital will be the premier destination for cranial and spine care, ensuring that Indiana families have access to the best care close to home.
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Ohio and Indiana health systems focus on providing complex heart surgery, cardiology services closer to home
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Emergency care team at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, tell parents that CPR helped save their daughter’s life.
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital kidney transplant team plans a Big Ten championship watch party for a longtime kidney patient in Indianapolis.
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Brothers Mike and Steve Vandeveer undergo a minimally invasive heart surgery known as TAVR which helps shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of infection.
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Learn the story behind Evansville's Kempf Bipolar Wellness Center Support Group and how it supports people living with bipolar disorder through connection, hope and community.
Breast health and breast cancer as you age
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Christina J. Kim, MD, breast surgical oncologist at Ascension St. Vincent in Fishers, Indiana, shares why even after age 50, you should still follow breast screening guidelines.
15 year old takes the field after head trauma accident
October 2, 2025
Peyton Manning Children's Hospital patient served as the "Coin Toss Kid" at Lucas Oil Stadium during the Colts game in Indianapolis.
How dry needling therapy helps muscle pain
October 2, 2025
Physical therapists at Ascension St. Vincent across Indiana use dry needling to help with muscle injuries by easing pain and helping you move better.
Miranda Wahnsiedler, MSN, BS, AGCNS-BC, RNC-OB, C-ONQS, was recognized by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses for her dedication to the improvement of women’s health.
The new Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, IN, was thoughtfully designed to promote healing and reduce anxiety through intentional choices, while honoring heritage and community.
The newly expanded Hilbert Pediatric Emergency Department at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital provides Central Indiana families with greater access to high-quality, specialized emergency care.
If incidents occur this Fourth of July, knowing where and when to get immediate and emergency care is important.
Four summer activities that often lead to injuries
June 23, 2025
Ascension urgent care and orthopedic teams are here to help you manage your summer injury.
Ascension St. Vincent announces its new brain and spine hospital will be named Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent. The name honors the donation from an Indianapolis family for their generosity and partnership.
The new Ascension St. Vincent Brain and Spine Hospital will be the premier destination for cranial and spine care, ensuring that Indiana families have access to the best care close to home.
Advanced care for women and infants now open in Indianapolis with the Women and Infants Hospital on the Ascension St. Vincent Hospital campus.
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital is a verified Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in Indianapolis treating children with life-threatening injuries.
Emergency care team at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, tell parents that CPR helped save their daughter’s life.
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital kidney transplant team plans a Big Ten championship watch party for a longtime kidney patient in Indianapolis.
Hearts on the mend: Brothers share heart valve replacement journey
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Brothers Mike and Steve Vandeveer undergo a minimally invasive heart surgery known as TAVR which helps shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of infection.