Health Screenings by Age

Regular health screenings are key to preventing illness, detecting issues early, and living a longer, healthier life. Use this age-based guide to stay on top of your checkups and catch potential concerns before they become serious.

Ages 18–29: Build Healthy Habits - Recommended Screenings:

• Blood Pressure: Every 2 years if normal; yearly if elevated
• Cholesterol: Starting at age 20; every 4–6 years if low risk
• Pap Smear (Cervical Cancer): Every 3 years starting at age 21
• STI Testing: Annually or as needed based on risk
• Skin Checks: Self-check monthly; clinical check if moles change
• Mental Health: Depression/anxiety screening during annual physical
• Vaccines: Stay up to date (HPV, flu, Tdap, COVID-19, etc.)

Ages 30–39: Stay Proactive - Recommended Screenings:

• Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: Continue monitoring regularly
• Pap + HPV Co-Test: Every 5 years, or Pap every 3 years
• Diabetes Screening: If overweight or at risk
• Thyroid Test: Based on symptoms or risk factors
• Skin, Eye, and Dental Exams: Every 1–2 years
• Mental Health Check-ins: As needed
• Fertility or Family Planning Counseling: If applicable

Ages 40–49: Early Detection Matters - Add These Screenings:

• Mammogram (Women): Start at age 40, yearly or as advised
• Diabetes Screening: At age 45 or earlier if at risk
• Colon Cancer (Colonoscopy): Begin at 45 (earlier if family history)
• Prostate Screening (Men): Discuss PSA testing around 45–50
• Vision & Hearing Tests: Every 2–4 years
• Heart Health Risk Assessment: Cholesterol, BMI, lifestyle

Ages 50–64: Stay Consistent - Essential Screenings:

• Colonoscopy: Every 10 years (or as advised)
• Mammogram: Every 1–2 years
• Bone Density (DEXA Scan): Start at 50–60 for women, later for men
• Prostate Exam: Discuss PSA and DRE with your provider
• Diabetes, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure: Annual checks
• Lung Cancer Screening: For smokers/former smokers, age 50+
• Shingles & Pneumonia Vaccines: Starting at age 50 or 60

65 and Older: Maintain Independence & Quality of Life - Continued/Added Screenings:

• Bone Density: Repeat as needed
• Vision, Hearing, Dental: Annual or biannual checkups
• Cognitive Screening: For memory and brain health
• Fall Risk Assessment: Includes balance and strength testing
• All Previous Screenings: Continue based on personal and family history
• Advance Care Planning: Discuss long-term health goals and decisions

How to Stay on Track

✔️ Schedule your annual physical exam

✔️ Track screenings in a wellness planner or health app

✔️ Talk to your provider about family history or personal risk factors

✔️ Don’t skip screenings—even if you feel fine

Prevention is powerful. A 30-minute screening could change your life.