One of the best ways to stay healthy is to see your doctor for regular checkups. He or she will recommend some tests and screenings that are just for women. Having these tests can help find diseases early, when they are easier to treat. These tests also help your chance of beating diseases. The tests may feel uncomfortable, but they will not hurt.

Pap test. A Pap test checks the cells in your cervix (lower part of the womb) to see if they are healthy. This test can find infections, cell changes before they become cancer, and cancer. You should have a Pap test if:

• You are age 21 or older
• You are younger than age 21 but have been having sex

Mammogram. This is an X-ray of your breasts. It is the best way to find breast cancer early. You should have a mammogram if you are age 40 or older. You may need it sooner or more often if you have a history of breast cancer in your family.

You should also have a clinical breast exam (done by your doctor) every year. And consider doing breast self-exams, too. Talk with your doctor to learn more.