Quick Answer
Preventive screenings look for health problems before symptoms appear. Which screenings you need depends on your age, sex, family history and risk factors. Most adults need regular blood pressure checks, and many need screening for diabetes, cholesterol and certain cancers at specific ages. This list of preventive screenings by age follows U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations, but your provider may adjust it for your situation.
Who this is for: adults who want a general guide to which screenings are recommended at different ages.
Screenings for Most Adults
- Blood pressure: adults 18 and older, at least every few years and more often with higher risk[1]
- Depression: adults, as part of routine care[1]
- Anxiety: adults under 65[1]
- Hepatitis C: once for adults 18 to 79[1]
- HIV: adolescents and adults 15 to 65, and others at increased risk[1]
- Unhealthy alcohol use and tobacco use: screening and support for all adults
Heart and Metabolic Screening
- Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: adults 35 to 70 who have overweight or obesity, and earlier for those with other risk factors[1]
- Cholesterol and heart disease risk: adults 40 to 75 are assessed for cardiovascular risk to guide decisions about statin medication, which usually involves a cholesterol test[1]
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: a one-time ultrasound for men 65 to 75 who have ever smoked[1]
Screening schedules depend on age, sex and risk factors.
Cancer Screening
- Colorectal cancer: adults 45 to 75, using one of several test options; ages 76 to 85 is an individual decision[1]
- Breast cancer: mammograms every two years for women 40 to 74[1]
- Cervical cancer: women 21 to 65, with the test type and interval depending on age[1]
- Lung cancer: yearly low-dose CT for adults 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years[1]
- Prostate cancer: men 55 to 69 can make an individual decision about PSA screening after discussing benefits and harms with their provider
People with a strong family history or other risk factors may need to start some screenings earlier or have them more often.
Bone Health and Other Screenings
- Osteoporosis: bone density testing for women 65 and older, and younger postmenopausal women at increased risk[1]
- Falls prevention: exercise and support for older adults at increased risk of falls
- Vision, hearing and dental care: regular checks with the appropriate specialists
Vaccines, such as flu, tetanus, shingles and pneumonia vaccines, are also part of preventive care and are based on age and health conditions.
Preventive Care at Lake Forest Regenesis
For Direct Primary Care members, Allana reviews which screenings are due based on your age, family history and risk factors, and helps arrange tests that are done elsewhere, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. Results are tracked over time so nothing falls through the cracks, and the plan is updated as your health changes.
When to See a Provider
Screenings are for people without symptoms. If you have symptoms such as a breast lump, rectal bleeding, a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss or new pain, contact your provider promptly rather than waiting for a routine screening. Call 911 for emergencies.
Not sure which screenings are due? Direct Primary Care members get a review based on age, family history and risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do recommendations change over time?
Yes. Screening recommendations are updated as new research becomes available, so your provider may adjust your plan.
Why might I need screening earlier than the general guidelines?
A strong family history, genetic risk, past results or other health conditions can mean starting earlier or screening more often.
Can I stop screening at a certain age?
Some screenings stop at certain ages or depend on your health and past results. Talk with your provider about what still makes sense for you.
Does insurance cover preventive screenings?
Many plans cover recommended preventive screenings, but coverage varies. Check with your insurance plan.
References
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. A and B recommendations. View the recommendations
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.
