Important: These are general guidelines based on recommendations from major medical organizations. Your individual screening needs may differ based on your personal health history, family history, and risk factors. Always consult with your healthcare provider about which screenings are right for you.
Your 20s: Building Healthy Habits
Your 20s are a time to establish baseline health measurements and develop relationships with healthcare providers. While major disease screenings typically aren't needed yet, several important health checks should begin.
Recommended Screenings
- Blood Pressure: At least every 2 years if readings are normal (under 120/80)
- Cholesterol: Baseline test, then every 4-6 years if normal
- Cervical Cancer (Pap Smear): Starting at age 21, every 3 years for those with a cervix
- STI Screenings: Based on sexual activity and risk factors
- Skin Check: Annual self-exams; professional exam if high risk
- Dental Exam: Every 6-12 months
- Eye Exam: Every 2 years if no vision problems
Vaccinations to Consider
- Annual flu shot
- Tdap booster (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
- HPV vaccine (if not completed earlier)
Your 30s: Maintaining Momentum
Continue the screenings from your 20s, with a few additions. This decade is about maintaining health and catching any changes early.
Recommended Screenings
- Blood Pressure: At least every 2 years
- Cholesterol: Every 4-6 years if previous results were normal
- Blood Sugar: Consider baseline fasting glucose or A1C, especially with risk factors
- Cervical Cancer: Pap smear every 3 years, or Pap plus HPV co-testing every 5 years starting at 30
- Thyroid: Consider TSH test, especially if experiencing symptoms
- Skin Check: Annual self-exams; dermatologist visit if high risk or concerns
- Dental Exam: Every 6-12 months
- Eye Exam: Every 2 years
Risk-Based Considerations
- Discuss family history of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes with your provider
- Consider genetic counseling if strong family history of hereditary conditions
Your 40s: Increasing Vigilance
The 40s mark a shift toward more comprehensive screening. Some cancer screenings begin, and monitoring for chronic conditions becomes more important.
Recommended Screenings
- Blood Pressure: Annually
- Cholesterol: Every 4-6 years, or more often if elevated
- Blood Sugar: Every 3 years starting at 45, or earlier/more often with risk factors
- Mammogram: Discuss with provider; some guidelines recommend starting at 40, others at 45 or 50
- Cervical Cancer: Continue Pap/HPV co-testing every 5 years
- Colorectal Cancer: Discuss with provider; may begin at 45 per newer guidelines
- Eye Exam: Every 2 years (annually if vision changes)
- Skin Check: Annual dermatologist exam recommended
Heart Health Focus
- Discuss cardiovascular risk assessment with your provider
- Consider coronary calcium scoring if intermediate risk
- Monitor weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol trends
Your 50s: Comprehensive Screening
The 50s bring several important screening milestones. This is when many major screenings become routine for most people.
Recommended Screenings
- Blood Pressure: Annually
- Cholesterol: Every 1-2 years
- Blood Sugar: Every 3 years
- Colorectal Cancer: Colonoscopy every 10 years, or other approved methods more frequently
- Mammogram: Every 1-2 years (discuss frequency with provider)
- Cervical Cancer: Continue through age 65 if previous results normal
- Prostate Cancer: Discuss PSA testing with provider (shared decision-making)
- Lung Cancer: Annual low-dose CT if significant smoking history (20+ pack-years)
- Bone Density: Discuss with provider, especially if risk factors present
- Eye Exam: Annually (includes glaucoma screening)
- Hearing Test: Baseline, then as needed
Vaccinations
- Shingles vaccine (usually recommended at 50)
- Annual flu shot
- COVID-19 boosters as recommended
Your 60s and Beyond: Continued Vigilance
Many screenings continue, while some may be discontinued based on individual health status and life expectancy. Have ongoing conversations with your provider about appropriate screenings.
Recommended Screenings
- Blood Pressure: Annually
- Cholesterol: Annually or as recommended
- Blood Sugar: Every 3 years
- Colorectal Cancer: Continue through age 75; discuss with provider for ages 76-85
- Mammogram: Discuss continuation with provider (typically continues through 74)
- Cervical Cancer: Can stop at 65 if adequate prior screening and normal results
- Bone Density (DEXA): Every 2 years for those with osteoporosis risk
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: One-time ultrasound for men 65-75 who have ever smoked
- Eye Exam: Annually
- Hearing Test: Every 3 years or as needed
Vaccinations
- Pneumonia vaccines (PCV15/PCV20 and PPSV23)
- Annual flu shot (high-dose formulation may be recommended)
- Shingles vaccine if not already received
- COVID-19 boosters as recommended
Special Considerations
Family History Impact
If you have a family history of certain conditions, you may need to:
- Start screenings at an earlier age
- Get screened more frequently
- Consider additional tests (like genetic testing)
Conditions That May Warrant Earlier/More Frequent Screening
- Parent or sibling with colorectal cancer
- Strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Family history of heart disease before age 55 (men) or 65 (women)
- Parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
- Personal history of polyps, abnormal Pap smears, or other findings
Next Step: Print this guide and bring it to your next healthcare appointment. Use it as a starting point for discussing which screenings are appropriate for your individual situation.