Preventive care changes as women move through different stages of life. Knowing what to expect can make healthcare feel less overwhelming and far more empowering. At San Juan Health Partners Family and Specialty Medicine, Dr. Suzanne Ciotti provides comprehensive family medicine with a special focus on women’s health.

“I specifically do a lot of women’s health,” said Dr. Ciotti. “I also manage conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, care of strains and sprains, low back pain, well-child checks, and in addition, women’s health and contraception management, including IUDs and Nexplanon, Pap smears, and referrals for mammograms and MRIs.”

Women’s health is not just about reproductive care — it’s whole-body care. And that often starts with preventive care. 

Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap Smears and HPV Testing

Preventive care often centers around screening — and timing matters.

“Usually, with the Pap smears, we’ll start doing screening for HPV or abnormal Pap starting at age 21,” Dr. Ciotti explained. “We’ll do that every three years with a regular Pap smear.”

At age 30, women have the option of HPV testing along with their Pap smear, which can extend screening to every five years.

“We generally stop doing Pap smears at age 65,” she added.

Mammograms and Breast Health

Breast cancer screening also follows age-based guidelines.

“Mammograms generally start at age 40, and they’re at least every other year, depending on your risk factors.”

Your provider will personalize recommendations based on family history and individual risk.

Metabolic Health and Lab Screening

Preventive care also includes screening for chronic conditions.

“We’ll do screening with labs like cholesterol management starting at age 35 and also checking blood sugar to screen for diabetes,” Dr. Ciotti said.

These simple screenings can prevent major health complications later in life. To schedule a preventive care appointment visit San Juan Health Partners Family and Specialty Medicine or call 970.444.0260.