a woman having a thyroid screening — Preventive health screenings are one of the most powerful tools for early detection and long-term wellness. Learn what tests women need—and how concierge care ensures nothing is overlooked.

When life gets busy, women often put their own health at the bottom of the priority list. Between careers, caregiving responsibilities, and managing the needs of others, it's easy to postpone routine checkups and screenings. But the truth is, preventive health screenings can save lives—especially when it comes to detecting cancer, heart disease, and hormonal imbalances before symptoms appear.

At Manifest Health Concierge Medicine in Lafayette, CO, Dr. Loree Koza helps women take a proactive, empowered approach to their health. During Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, we’re highlighting the critical importance of timely screenings and the unique role concierge care can play in ensuring that nothing gets missed.

The Power of Prevention in Women’s Health

Many serious health conditions—especially cancers—develop silently. Symptoms often don’t show up until a disease has progressed, which can make treatment more complicated and outcomes less favorable. Preventive screenings are designed to catch these conditions early, often before symptoms appear, giving women the best possible chance at timely and effective treatment.

Preventive care is not just about cancer detection. Screenings can also uncover:

Early signs of heart disease
Indicators of osteoporosis
Imbalances in hormones and thyroid function
Risk factors for diabetes or high cholesterol
Changes in blood pressure or other cardiovascular markers

When screenings are part of a regular wellness plan, they provide a baseline for health and a map for managing risk over time. They also create an opportunity to build a strong, ongoing relationship with your physician—something that’s at the core of concierge medicine.

Essential Screenings for Women, by Age Group

Health needs evolve with time. While every woman’s care plan should be personalized based on her medical history and risk factors, here’s a general guide to key screenings by age:

In Your 20s and 30s

Pap smear: Every 3 years starting at age 21, or every 5 years if combined with HPV testing
HPV testing: Recommended starting at age 30
Clinical breast exam: At least every 3 years, with self-exams encouraged monthly
Blood pressure: At least every 2 years, more often if elevated
Cholesterol and blood glucose: Starting by age 25–30, depending on family history
STD/STI testing: Annually or with each new sexual partner

In Your 40s

Mammogram: Begin annual or biennial screening, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer
Pap smear + HPV co-testing: Continue every 5 years until age 65
Blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose: Annual checks to monitor for metabolic changes
Thyroid function: Consider screening for thyroid disorders, which become more common during midlife
Skin check: Annual dermatology visit to assess for skin cancer, especially if sun exposure is high

In Your 50s and Beyond

Colonoscopy: Begin at age 45–50, then every 10 years unless more frequent testing is needed
Bone density scan (DEXA): Typically starts around age 65 or earlier if postmenopausal or at risk for osteoporosis
Cardiovascular screening: Includes lipid panels, advanced heart risk markers, and possibly imaging depending on risk
Hormone evaluation: Monitor estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels to support postmenopausal health
Cognitive health and mood screening: Assessments for memory, depression, and anxiety as part of routine care

These screenings can be customized based on your health history, genetics, and current symptoms—which is where a concierge medicine model truly excels.

Why Concierge Medicine Makes Preventive Care More Effective

In many traditional healthcare settings, patients experience long wait times, short appointments, and fragmented care. It’s not uncommon for screenings to be overlooked, follow-ups delayed, or symptoms dismissed—especially in women, who often report feeling unheard or rushed in clinical settings.

At Manifest Health Concierge Medicine, Dr. Koza takes a different approach.

As a concierge physician specializing in family medicine and women’s health, Dr. Koza offers:

Extended, personalized appointments that allow time for in-depth screening conversations
A comprehensive preventive care plan based on your age, history, lifestyle, and goals
In-office screenings and streamlined referrals to trusted specialists when needed
Consistent monitoring of lab results and risk factors to catch subtle changes early
A trusted physician relationship, so you never feel like your concerns are being dismissed

Preventive care shouldn’t be something you scramble to schedule once a year—it should be a continuous, intentional part of your health journey.

How Early Detection Can Save Lives

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women, but many of the most common types—such as breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer—are highly treatable when caught early. Even small delays in screening can lead to more advanced diagnoses.

For example:

Cervical cancer, once the leading cause of cancer death in women, has become far less deadly thanks to regular Pap and HPV screening.
Colorectal cancer, now rising in younger populations, is often completely preventable when precancerous polyps are identified and removed during a colonoscopy.
Breast cancer, when caught in its earliest stages, has a five-year survival rate of over 90%.

Preventive care isn’t just about detection—it’s about empowerment. It allows women to be proactive rather than reactive, and it offers peace of mind through knowledge and partnership.

Taking Charge of Your Long-Term Health

Women are often the caregivers, the planners, and the decision-makers for their families—but that same attentiveness should extend to their own health. Prioritizing screenings isn’t a selfish act—it’s a smart, self-respecting one. Your body, your time, and your well-being deserve the attention preventive care provides.

At Manifest Health Concierge Medicine, we believe every woman should feel seen, heard, and supported in every season of life. Whether you’re due for your next mammogram, want a complete preventive care plan, or simply need a trusted physician to walk alongside you—we’re here to help.

Now is the time to put your health back at the top of your list. Reach out today to schedule a meet & greet and take the next step in protecting your future.