If you’ve never had a well-woman exam before, you might be wondering what to expect. Is it similar to an annual physical? Which parts of your body will the doctor examine? And, which tests will be performed on you, and why?

We spoke with Elizabeth Keeler, M.D., a gynecologist who specializes in caring for women with cancer. Here’s what these important annual doctor visits include — and why you shouldn’t skip yours. 

As a gynecologic oncologist, I see women with every type of cancer related to the female reproductive system, except breast cancer. I treat women with ovarian, uterine, cervical, and vulvar cancers. And I routinely perform surgery, prescribe chemotherapy and suggest clinical trials.

I decided to specialize in gynecologic oncology after figuring out what was really important to me in medical school. I realized one day that I didn...