Women’s Health Month: Important screenings to help you stay well

Snellville, Ga. (May 26, 2026)– In recognition of Women’s Health Month, Piedmont Eastside is encouraging women to prioritize preventive care, including routine screenings that help detect health risks early and support better long‑term outcomes. 

“Screenings prevent mortality for the specific conditions we’re screening for,” said Hannah Packiam, M.D., a family medicine doctor at Piedmont Primary Care of Lawrenceville. “Years of observational studies show their impact.”

For example, according to a lifetime study by the CDC, the self-reported screening rates for female breast and cervical cancers in 2016 were 78.3% and 79.9%, respectively, and the self-reported screening rate for colorectal cancer was 67.7%. The impact of these screenings is estimated to have prevented nearly 112,000 deaths.

With busy schedules and competing responsibilities, women often delay their own care. Piedmont physicians emphasize that regular screenings—guided by age, personal history and risk factors—can make a meaningful difference in long‑term health. 

Hannah Packiam, M.D.

Dr. Packiam encourages women to talk with their providers about these six key health screenings: 

1.    Annual Physical 

Even if you feel healthy, an annual visit with your primary care provider is key to assessing your overall health. During this visit, your provider may recommend labs, vaccinations or additional screenings based on your personal history, and help you create a plan to stay well over the next year. 

2.    Cervical Cancer Screening 

Cervical cancer screenings are recommended starting at age 21. Women at average risk should be screened every three to five years, depending on age, risk factors and the type of test performed. Talk with your primary care or OB-GYN provider about what screening schedule is best for you. 

3.    Mammogram 

Mammograms are one of the most important tools for detecting breast cancer early, when treatment options are often most effective. Piedmont follows the American College of Radiology’s guidelines and uses advanced imaging technology to look for changes in breast tissue. While most findings are not cancerous, early detection may lead to additional testing when needed. 

4.    Colorectal Cancer Screening 

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screenings at age 45. Colorectal cancer rates are rising in younger adults and often develop without symptoms, making regular screening especially important. 

5.    Women’s Heart Screening 

With heart disease being the No. 1 leading cause of death in women in the U.S. – approximately 1 in every 5 female deaths in 2021, per the CDC – physicians recommend heart and hypertension screenings every year for women 40 years old and up.   

6.    Bone Density Test 

This screening for osteoporosis is recommended for all women starting at age 65 and those women under age 65 who are postmenopausal and have at least one risk factor for osteoporosis.  

Additional screenings may be recommended based on family history or lifestyle factors. Dr. Packiam encourages women to establish care with a trusted primary care provider to develop an individualized prevention plan.

To find a Piedmont primary care provider near you, visit care.piedmont.org/providers. 

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