A simple roadmap of the screenings that matter most at every stage of adult life.
Preventive screenings catch disease early, when treatment is simplest and most effective. But knowing which ones you need — and when — can feel overwhelming. Here's a straightforward roadmap.
In your 20s and 30s: annual blood pressure, baseline cholesterol, reproductive health, and skin checks. In your 40s: add a fasting blood sugar, mammograms (for women), and colon cancer screening starting at 45.
In your 50s and beyond: bone density scans, regular colonoscopies, lung cancer screening for former smokers, and more frequent cardiovascular monitoring. Vaccines — including flu, shingles, and pneumococcal — become increasingly important.
This is a general guide, not a substitute for personalized advice. Talk to your provider about your family history and risk factors, and we'll build the right screening schedule for you.
