Recommended Screenings by Age

At any age, there are certain checkups, tests and screenings that are recommended for optimal health. Whether it’s a physical exam, cholesterol check or colonoscopy screening, these things can detect issues before they become serious concerns.

AGE 18-39

Blood Pressure Screening

  • Every two years

Cholesterol Screening

  • Every five years
  • Especially men over 34

Immunizations

  • Tetanus-diphtheria every 10 years

MEN

Testicular Exam

  • Monthly testicular self-exam

 

WOMEN

Breast Exam

  • Monthly breast self-exam
  • A complete breast exam every three years (age 20-40)

Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear

  • Pelvic exam and Pap smear every one to two years, starting by the age of 21

AGE 40-65

Blood Pressure Screening

  • Every two years

Cholesterol Screening

  • Men over 34 and women over
    44 should be checked every five years

Colon Cancer Screening

  • Every 10 years between age 50 and 80

Immunizations

  • Flu vaccine every year after the age of 50
  • Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine every 10 years

Physical Exam

  • Every one to five years

MEN

Prostate Exam

  • Over 50–should consider screenings
  • If you have a family history of prostate cancer, begin screenings at age 45

Osteoporosis Screening

  • Age 50-70 should discuss getting screened with their doctor

 

WOMEN

Breast Exams and Mammograms

  • Monthly breast self-exam
  • Women over age 40 should have a mammogram done every one to two years

Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear

  • Pelvic exam and Pap smear every one to two years 

Osteoporosis Screening

  • All postmenopausal women should have a bone density test, or DXA scan

AGE 65 and Older

Blood Pressure Screening

    • Every year 
 

Cholesterol Screening

  • Every three to five years

    Colon Cancer Screening

    • Colonoscopy every 10 years Immunizations
    • Over 65–get a pneumococcal vaccine if you have not had one before or if you received one more than five years before the age of 65
    • Flu shot every year
    • Tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years
    • Shingles vaccine may be given once after age 60

      Physical Exam

      • Every year

        MEN
        Prostate Exam

        • All men should discuss prostate screenings with their doctor

        Osteoporosis Screening

        • Over 70–get a DXA scan

        Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

        • Ages 65-75 who have smoked–have an ultrasound done once to screen for abdominal aneurysms

         

        WOMEN

        Breast Exams and Mammograms

        • Monthly breast self-exam
        • Mammogram every one to two years 

        Osteoporosis Screening

        • All women should have a DXA scan done 

        Pelvic Exam and Pap smear

        • Pelvic exam and Pap smear every year