Recommended Health Screenings for Each Decade After 20

Regular health screenings are vital for detecting potential health issues early, even if you feel healthy. As you age, your risk for certain conditions increases, making age-appropriate screenings an essential part of preventive healthcare. Here’s a decade-by-decade guide to recommended health screenings after your 20s.

In Your 20s: Building the Foundation

• Blood Pressure Check: At least once every 2 years if normal (below 120/80 mm Hg). More frequently if elevated.
• Cholesterol Test: Starting at age 20, every 2-3 years if normal. More often if you have risk factors for heart disease.
• STI Screenings: Annually for sexually active individuals, especially for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis, based on risk factors.
• Pap Smear (Women): Starting at age 21, every 3 years to screen for cervical cancer. HPV testing may be included after age 30.
• Mental Health Screening: Discuss anxiety, depression, and other concerns during routine check-ups.
• Skin Check: Monitor moles and changes; see a dermatologist for any concerns.

In Your 30s: Staying Ahead

• All Screenings from Your 20s: Continue as recommended.
• Blood Glucose Test: Screen for diabetes if you have risk factors, such as obesity or a family history.
• Thyroid Function Test: For women, especially during or after pregnancy, or if you have symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.
• Fertility and Family Planning (Women): Discuss reproductive health, especially if planning for children.
• Eye Exam: Every 2 years or as recommended, especially if you wear glasses or contacts.

In Your 40s: Midlife Health Priorities

• Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Checks: Continue as advised.
• Mammogram (Women): Begin at age 40, then every 1-2 years based on personal and family history.
• Blood Glucose Test: Screen for prediabetes or diabetes every 3 years or annually if at high risk.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Start at age 45 with colonoscopy or other approved tests.
• Eye Exam: Every 1-2 years; check for conditions like glaucoma and presbyopia.
• Hearing Test: Discuss any hearing changes with your provider.
• Bone Density Test (Women): If at risk for osteoporosis, especially postmenopausal women.

In Your 50s: Proactive Aging

• All Previous Screenings: Continue as per guidelines.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Continue every 10 years with colonoscopy, or more frequently with alternative tests.
• Lung Cancer Screening: Annual low-dose CT scan for current or former smokers (30-pack-year history) starting at age 50.
• Mammogram (Women): Continue every year.
• Bone Density Test (Women and Men): Screen for osteoporosis if at risk.
• Cardiac Risk Assessment: Discuss with your provider, especially if you have a strong family history of heart disease.
• Prostate Cancer Screening (Men): Discuss PSA testing and digital rectal exams with your provider.

In Your 60s and Beyond: Staying Vigilant

• All Previous Screenings: Continue as appropriate.
• Bone Density Test: Routine screening for all women 65 and older; men with risk factors.
• Hearing Test: Annual screening.
• Vision Screening: Check for cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening (Men): One-time ultrasound for men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked.
• Vaccinations: Ensure you’re up-to-date on shingles, pneumonia, flu, and tetanus boosters.
• Cognitive Screening: Discuss memory and cognitive health with your provider.

The Importance of Personalized Care