With soccer practice, back-to-school shopping and dozens of other responsibilities demanding our time, it’s easy to postpone or even forget the important steps we need to take to care of our health. That’s why this September — National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month — serves as a good reminder to women of all ages to schedule their well-woman exam and determine if they — or someone they love — are due for an important preventive health screening.

About 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the U.S and about 14,500 will die from it. Another 12,000 American women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year, and while around 4,000 will die from the disease, the good news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers: when caught early through an annual exam, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent.

What some women are unaware of is that gynecological health is important at all stages of adult life even after menopause. Cervical cancer can affect women before or after menopause, which is why it’s never too late to start getting screened. Whether it’s for you, a friend, family member, or partner, there are three things you can do to stay as healthy as possible.

Number one, know your body.

Being aware of your body is important at any age. It’s important to know how your body normally looks and feels. If you notice any changes, tenderness, or pain, you should get checked out by a health care provider as soon as possible. Don’t let fear or worry cause a delay in seeking care.

Number two, know your risk factors.

Learn the risks of gynecologic cancers, including a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, and take steps to prevent and catch them early when they are most treatable. For example, older women are most at risk for ovarian cancer — about half of the women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are age 63 or older. And anyone with a cervix and ovaries, including transgender people, can develop cervical and ovarian cancer.

The third thing to know is when you’re due for a checkup.

We have made great progress in the past few years with nearly 70 percent of women getting a Pap test in the recommended timeframe, but that means that 30 percent of all women aren’t getting tested when they should. Pap tests detect abnormal or cancerous cells on the cervix.

The earlier cancer is detected and treated, the better. The frequency for checkups is different for different women, but everyone should see their health care providers regularly. National medical guidelines call for initial Pap tests by age 21; Pap tests every three years for women aged 21–29; and Pap tests every three years for women aged 30–64 (or every five years when women 30-64 receive combined Pap and HPV tests). Women with certain abnormalities may require more frequent Pap tests, so confirm with your health care provider to see if you are due for a checkup and screening, and encourage your loved ones to do the same.

In 2014, Planned Parenthood health centers provided nearly 500,000 Pap tests and at our four health centers in Maine more than a thousand patients were tested. We also provided advanced testing and treatment of several hundred women with abnormal Pap tests and precancerous conditions. In fact, cancer screening and prevention accounted for 14 percent of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England’s health services last year.

As a leading women’s health care provider, advocate, and educator, Planned Parenthood encourages every woman to take care of herself and visit her health care provider regularly to receive a checkup that can screen for gynecologic cancers, and also may include contraceptive counseling, birth control prescriptions, breast exams, and testing for STIs, including HIV. Our doors are open to everyone regardless of insurance or ability to pay because we believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to getting the care you need. In fact last year alone, we provided more than $3.5 million in free or discounted care to our patients in Maine.

So this month, take a minute for yourself and your health. Schedule a check-up or ask someone you love if they have. You’ll be glad you did.

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Dr. Donna Burkett is the medical director of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England.