| Colorectal cancer screening start age | Age 45 (average risk) (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) |
| Blood pressure check frequency | Every 1–2 years (normal readings) (American Heart Association / USPSTF) |
| Hepatitis C screening recommendation | Once for all adults ages 18–79 (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) |
| HIV screening recommendation | At least once, ages 15–65 (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) |
| Lung cancer screening eligibility | Ages 50–80 with significant smoking history (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) |
| Osteoporosis bone density scan | Women age 65+ (or earlier if elevated risk) (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) |
Why Routine Screenings Matter
Preventive health screenings are tests designed to detect conditions—or risk factors for conditions—before symptoms appear. Catching issues early often means simpler, more effective treatment and better long-term outcomes. Despite this, many adults delay or skip recommended screenings entirely. Learn why screenings get skipped and what that can mean for your health.
The screenings listed in this guide reflect general recommendations from major U.S. public health organizations, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individual recommendations vary based on personal and family health history, so this guide is a starting point—not a substitute for personalized advice from your healthcare provider.
| Colorectal cancer screening start age | Age 45 (average risk) (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) |
| Blood pressure check frequency | Every 1–2 years (normal readings) (American Heart Association / USPSTF) |
| Hepatitis C screening recommendation | Once for all adults ages 18–79 (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) |
| HIV screening recommendation | At least once, ages 15–65 (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) |
| Lung cancer screening eligibility | Ages 50–80 with significant smoking history (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) |
| Osteoporosis bone density scan | Women age 65+ (or earlier if elevated risk) (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) |
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about which screenings are right for your individual circumstances.
Screenings for All Adults (Ages 18 and Older)
Certain screenings are broadly recommended for most adults regardless of sex, beginning in young adulthood and continuing through life.
- Blood pressure: Recommended at least every 1–2 years for adults with normal readings; more frequently if elevated. High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms but significantly raises cardiovascular risk.
- Blood glucose and diabetes screening: The USPSTF recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults ages 35–70 who are overweight or obese. Your provider may recommend earlier screening based on risk factors.
- Cholesterol (lipid panel): Adults with elevated cardiovascular risk may be screened starting in their 20s. Frequency depends on results and overall risk profile.
- Body mass index (BMI) assessment: While BMI has limitations as a standalone measure, providers use it alongside other data to assess weight-related health risk.
- Depression screening: The USPSTF recommends screening for depression in the general adult population. Mental health screenings are a preventive step many adults haven't taken—but they're a recognized part of routine care.
- HIV screening: Recommended at least once for all adults ages 15–65; more frequently for those at higher risk.
- Hepatitis C: Recommended once for all adults ages 18–79, and more often for those with ongoing risk factors.
Screening
A test used to detect a condition or risk factor before symptoms appear. Screenings are typically performed on people who do not yet have signs of the condition being tested for.
USPSTF
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force — an independent panel of national experts that issues evidence-based recommendations for clinical preventive services, including screenings and counseling.
Lipid panel
A blood test that measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Results help providers assess cardiovascular risk and guide decisions about lifestyle or treatment.
PSA test
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels in a blood test may indicate prostate cancer, but can also result from other conditions; its use as a routine screening tool is debated.
Low-dose CT scan
A type of computed tomography imaging that uses less radiation than a standard CT. It is used in lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals to detect early abnormalities.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
A bulge or widening of the main artery in the abdomen (aorta) that can rupture if left undetected. An ultrasound screening can identify it before it becomes dangerous.
Sex-Specific and Age-Specific Screenings
Some screenings apply specifically to people of certain sexes or become relevant at particular life stages. Discuss your full health history with your provider to determine what applies to you.
For People Assigned Female at Birth
- Cervical cancer (Pap smear/HPV test): Generally recommended every 3–5 years for adults ages 21–65, depending on test type and prior results.
- Breast cancer mammography: The USPSTF recommends biennial mammograms for average-risk women starting at age 40; individual risk factors may shift timing.
- Osteoporosis (bone density scan): Recommended for women age 65 and older, and for younger postmenopausal women with elevated fracture risk.
- Gestational diabetes: Screened for during pregnancy, typically between weeks 24 and 28.
For People Assigned Male at Birth
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): A one-time ultrasound screening is recommended for adults ages 65–75 who have ever smoked.
- Prostate cancer (PSA test): Not universally recommended; evidence is mixed on benefits versus harms. Individuals ages 55–69 are encouraged to have an informed conversation with their provider about whether PSA testing is appropriate for them.
For Adults Ages 45 and Older
- Colorectal cancer: Regular screening—via colonoscopy, stool-based tests, or other approved methods—is broadly recommended starting at age 45 for average-risk adults.
- Lung cancer: Annual low-dose CT screening is recommended for adults ages 50–80 with a significant smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
Building these screenings into an ongoing routine is easier with a plan. This beginner's guide to preventive health habits can help you get started, and our annual checkup preparation checklist can help you make the most of each provider visit.
Your History Changes Your Timeline
General guidelines are based on population-level research, but your personal and family health history may mean earlier or more frequent screenings are appropriate. For example, individuals with a first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 60 may be advised to begin screening earlier than age 45. Always discuss your full medical background with your provider to arrive at a schedule tailored to you.
Screening schedules are not one-size-fits-all. Factors like family history, ethnicity, lifestyle, and prior test results all influence what a provider may recommend and when. Use this guide as a conversation starter, not a definitive personal plan.