Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Services, eligibility, and availability may vary. Please talk with a health care provider to understand what screenings or resources may be right for you. Cancer screenings help providers find cancer early—often before symptoms appear—when it may be easier to treat and manage.
At Peak Vista Community Health Centers, we are committed to supporting women’s health at every stage of life — from the teen years and pregnancy, through menopause and beyond. We believe preventive care, education, and access to trusted providers are essential to lifelong wellness.
The Women's Health Center(opens in a new tab) also offers genetic testing for certain inherited conditions linked to cancer risk. This testing looks for specific gene changes that are more common in people who develop certain cancers. If a gene mutation is identified, providers can work with patients to create a personalized care plan, which may include more frequent or earlier screening.
This page brings together education, preventive care guidance, and information about programs that may help with access to screenings. Whether you are looking to understand breast or cervical cancer screenings, learn how screenings fit into your overall health, or prepare for a wellness visit, this page is designed to support informed decision-making.
Peak Vista is committed to providing care that is respectful, coordinated, and responsive to your needs—helping you feel confident and supported in your health journey.
Learn more about Peak Vista's Mission, Vision, and Values(opens in a new tab).
Preventive cancer screenings are tests that help find cancer early, before symptoms appear. These screenings are used when you feel well and are part of routine health care for many women.
Screenings do not diagnose cancer. Instead, they look for changes in the body that may need follow-up testing.
How preventative screenings support early care:
Screening recommendations are usually based on age, health history, and personal risk. A provider can help explain which screenings may be right for you.
Why This Matters: Finding cancer early can make treatment easier and improve long-term health.
Breast cancer screenings help check for signs of breast cancer before symptoms appear. The most common screening is a mammogram, which uses a low-dose X-ray to look at breast tissue.
Many women with early breast cancer feel no pain or changes, making regular screening important even when you feel healthy.
What breast cancer screenings involve:
Why This Matters: Early detection may reduce the need for more aggressive treatment and improve outcomes.
Cervical cancer screenings look for cell changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer. Common tests include a Pap Smear and an HPV test. These screenings can find changes years before cancer develops, which helps prevent cervical cancer.
What cervical screenings can detect:
Why This Matters: Routine screening can prevent cervical cancer before it becomes serious.
Breast and cervical cancer screenings are an important part of women’s preventative care, but they are not the only screenings that may be recommended. Depending on your age, health history, and risk factors, your care team may also discuss other cancer screenings.
Peak Vista’s care teams (including Population Health) help identify when additional screenings may be appropriate as part of whole-person preventative care.
Other screenings may include:
Not everyone needs the same screenings. Your provider can help determine which screenings are right for you and when they should be done.
Why This Matters: Looking beyond one type of screening helps support early detection and overall health.
Some women may qualify for low-cost or free cancer screenings through state or community programs, such as the Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC) program. WWC is designed for women who are uninsured and meet specific eligibility criteria. Even if you do not have insurance, options may still be available. Many women assume they do not qualify when they actually do.
Factors that may affect eligibility:
Eligibility rules can vary, and availability may change over time. Asking about options is the best way to learn what support may be available. For programs like Women’s Wellness Connection, patients may be asked to contact the Women’s Health Center directly to confirm eligibility and next steps before scheduling care.
Why This Matters: Understanding financial options can help women get screened sooner instead of delaying care.
A women’s wellness visit focuses on preventive care and overall health. It gives you time to talk with a provider about screenings, health concerns, and questions. These visits are meant to feel respectful, private, and supportive.
What typically happens during a visit:
Visit length can vary, but providers aim to make the experience clear and comfortable.
Why This Matters: Knowing what to expect can reduce stress and help you feel more confident about your care.
A well-woman visit focuses on preventive care and overall health. It is a time to talk openly with your provider and stay up to date on recommended screenings.
A visit may include:
You may bring a support person or request a chaperone. Providers should explain each step and ask for consent before exams. You can also ask questions about periods, sexual health, mood, sleep, or nutrition.
Why This Matters: Regular preventive visits help catch concerns early and build trust with your provider.
Women’s health needs change over time. This general timeline shows common screenings recommended at different stages of life.
Some screenings and vaccines are part of overall women’s health care. The Women's Health Center(opens in a new tab) specifically provides HPV, Tdap (for pregnancy care), and flu vaccines. For other vaccines, patients may be referred to additional resources.
General screening guidance by age:
Why This Matters: Knowing what screenings are recommended helps you plan ahead and stay on track.
Care at Peak Vista comes from a team of women’s health specialists who work together to support patients at every stage of life.
Our care team includes Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), OB-GYN physicians, and nurse practitioners who provide preventive care, reproductive health services, pregnancy care, and menopause support.
Why This Matters: Team-based care helps ensure coordinated and personalized support.
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) provide care far beyond labor and birth.
CNMs at Peak Vista may provide:
Peak Vista midwives are graduate-level trained, nationally certified, and licensed to care for women across the lifespan.
Why This Matters: Expert women’s health care is available at every stage of life — not just during pregnancy.
Learn more about The Role of Midwives — More Than Labor and Birth(opens in a new tab).
Understanding provider credentials can help you feel confident choosing care.
Common Women’s Health provider credentials:
Peak Vista’s Women’s Health team includes licensed, highly trained providers across multiple disciplines.
Why This Matters: Understanding credentials helps you choose care with confidence.
Preventive care remains important after menopause. Regular screenings and healthy habits support long-term wellness.
You may want to ask your provider about:
National health organizations emphasize the growing need for specialized menopause care as women live longer.
Why This Matters: Preventive care supports healthy, active aging and confidence through life changes.
At Peak Vista, preventive care focuses on the whole person — physical health, emotional well-being, and long-term wellness. Preventive visits give providers the opportunity to understand your health history, answer questions, and identify concerns early.
Preventive care may include:
Why This Matters: Preventive care helps catch health concerns early and supports better long-term outcomes.
We understand that accessing health care can sometimes feel confusing or overwhelming. Peak Vista works to provide clear information, supportive staff, and resources that help reduce barriers to care.
This page includes general guidance and education to help women better understand preventive care and screening options.
How we help support access:
Why This Matters: Access to information and support helps women take the next step in their care with confidence.
This page is meant to be a starting point — not a replacement for care. It brings together educational information, general guidance, and answers to common questions to help you prepare for conversations with a health care provider.
What you’ll find on this page:
Why This Matters: Reliable information helps you feel more informed and prepared when making health decisions.
Cancer risk factors are things that may increase the chance of developing cancer. Some risk factors cannot be changed, while others are related to lifestyle or environment. Having risk factors does not mean you will get cancer.
Talking openly with your provider about your health history, family history, and possible risk factors helps them create a care plan that is personalized to you. This can lead to earlier or more frequent screening when needed, which increases the chances of finding cancer early — when it may be more treatable.
Common types of risk factors:
Why This Matters: Understanding risk helps guide conversations about screening and prevention.
Not all cancer can be prevented, but women can take steps to support their health and lower risk when possible. Preventive care focuses on staying informed and proactive. Small actions over time can make a meaningful difference.
Ways to support preventative health:
Why This Matters: Preventive actions help women stay informed, prepared, and involved in their health care.
You should talk to a provider if you notice changes in your body or have concerns about cancer.
Reasons to schedule a conversation:
Why This Matters: Early conversations can lead to faster answers and peace of mind.
