Going to the doctor for regular health screenings and checkups is one of the most important things you can do to take care of your health, especially as you get older. Preventative care allows doctors to catch potential health issues early before they become big problems. Getting recommended health screenings and tests can literally save your life. In this blog post, we’ll go over the key health screening tests you should get based on your age and risk factors. We’ll look at when you need to start getting various health screening tests, how often you need them, and why they are so critical for maintaining good health.
Why Regular Health Screenings and Checkups Are Necessary
Many major health conditions don’t have obvious symptoms in their early stages when they are most treatable. This includes serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. Without undergoing regular screening tests, there’s no reliable way to catch these diseases early on.
Catching and treating diseases at their earliest stages offer huge advantages. Early intervention leads to better health outcomes and can even save lives in many cases. Health screenings and tests allow doctors to detect issues and start treatment quickly before conditions get worse.
Some examples of recommended regular health screenings and checkups include:
- Blood pressure readings
- Cholesterol checks
- Mammograms
- Colonoscopies
- Pap tests
- Prostate exams
- Skin cancer screenings
- Bone density scans
- Pelvic exams
- Eye exams
While each test checks for specific health issues, together they provide an overall picture of your health and allow doctors to catch problems early.
Recommended Screenings by Age
Health screening recommendations are based on your age, gender, health status, family history, and other risk factors. Here are some of the most important health screenings to get done regularly at different age ranges:
20s and 30s
- Blood pressure – At least every 2 years, or more if high
- Cholesterol – Starting at age 20, then every 5 years
- Skin exam – Every 3 years for signs of skin cancer
- Clinical breast exam – Every 1-3 years
- Cervical cancer screening – Starting at age 21, then every 3 years
- Testicular exam – Monthly self-exams starting at age 15
40s
- Blood pressure – Annually
- Cholesterol – Every 5 years
- Mammogram – Starting at age 40, then annually
- Skin exam – Annually
- Cervical cancer screening – Every 3 years
- Colorectal cancer screening – Starting at age 45
- Prostate exam – Starting at age 40 for high risk
- Eye exam – Every 2-4 years
50s
- Blood pressure – Annually
- Cholesterol – Every 5 years
- Mammogram – Annually
- Skin exam – Annually
- Cervical cancer screening – Every 3 years
- Colorectal cancer screening – Every 5 years
- Prostate exam – Annually for high risk
- Bone density screening – Starting at age 50
- Eye exam – Every 1-2 years
60s and Beyond
- Blood pressure – Annually
- Cholesterol – Every 5 years
- Mammogram – Annually
- Skin exam – Annually
- Colorectal cancer screening – Every 5 years
- Prostate exam – Annually for high risk
- Bone density screening – Every 2 years
- Eye exam – Annually
- Hearing exam – Annually
- Flu shot – Annually
Of course, your doctor may adjust the frequency of exams based on your health, risk factors, and medical history. Be sure to discuss screening schedules and recommendations with your physician.
Preparing for Health Screenings
To get the most out of your health screenings, check-ups, and preventative tests, it’s important to properly prepare. Here are some tips:
- Fast for bloodwork as directed
- Drink extra water before urine tests
- Assist with self-exams as needed
- Arrive early to fill out forms
- Bring a list of medications and supplements
- Bring a list of any symptoms/concerns
- Have insurance card and photo ID ready
- Ask questions and discuss concerns with your doctor
Some screenings like colonoscopies require more extensive preparation like avoiding certain foods and taking laxatives or enemas beforehand. Be sure to carefully follow all pre-test instructions provided by your doctor.
Partnering with Your Doctor
While health screening tests are quick and simple for the most part, they provide incredibly valuable insights into what’s going on inside your body. Partnering with your physician and following screening recommendations specific to your age and risk factors is key to detecting issues early and maintaining good health.
Make health screenings a priority by scheduling recommended tests and exams in advance. Set reminders on your calendar so they don’t get overlooked. Don’t put your health on the back burner—regular screenings can truly save your life!