Preventive screenings can detect health problems early when they're most treatable. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent panel of experts that reviews scientific evidence and makes recommendations about preventive services. Here's what you need to know about recommended screenings by age.
Screenings for Adults 18-39
Even young adults benefit from regular preventive care:
- •Blood pressure screening: At least every 2 years if normal; annually if elevated
- •Depression screening: Recommended for all adults
- •HIV screening: At least once for everyone ages 15-65; more often if at higher risk
- •Hepatitis C screening: Once for all adults (one-time test)
- •Cholesterol: Starting at age 35 for men; discuss with your doctor if risk factors present earlier
- •Cervical cancer screening (women): Pap smear every 3 years starting at age 21
- •STI screening: Based on risk factors and sexual activity
Screenings for Adults 40-49
This decade brings additional recommended screenings:
- •Diabetes screening: Starting at age 35 if overweight; earlier with risk factors
- •Cholesterol: Routine screening for women starting at age 45
- •Colorectal cancer: Can begin at age 45 (colonoscopy, stool tests, or other options)
- •Breast cancer (women): Discuss mammography with your doctor; can start at 40
- •Lung cancer: Annual low-dose CT if 50+ with 20+ pack-year smoking history
The USPSTF lowered the recommended age for colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 in 2021 due to rising rates of colon cancer in younger adults.
Screenings for Adults 50-64
Preventive care becomes increasingly important:
- •Colorectal cancer: Strongly recommended for all adults 50-75
- •Breast cancer (women): Mammography every 2 years for women 50-74
- •Lung cancer: Annual screening for those 50-80 with significant smoking history
- •Osteoporosis (women): Bone density screening at 65; earlier if risk factors
- •Abdominal aortic aneurysm: One-time ultrasound for men 65-75 who have ever smoked
- •Shingles vaccine: Recommended at age 50+
Screenings for Adults 65+
Continued preventive care supports healthy aging:
- •All screenings mentioned above, with frequency based on individual health
- •Osteoporosis: Bone density screening for all women 65+
- •Fall prevention: Exercise and vitamin D supplementation
- •Cognitive impairment: Discuss any memory concerns with your doctor
- •Vision and hearing: Regular checks as part of overall health maintenance
Immunizations for All Adults
Vaccines are a critical part of preventive care:
- •Influenza (flu): Annual vaccination for all adults
- •COVID-19: Stay current with recommended boosters
- •Tdap/Td: Tdap once, then Td booster every 10 years
- •Shingles (Shingrix): Two doses for adults 50+
- •Pneumococcal: Recommended for adults 65+ and younger adults with certain conditions
- •RSV: Recommended for adults 60+ (newer vaccine)
Your Preventive Care at On Call Primary Care
As part of your membership, all USPSTF-recommended preventive screenings are included. This means your annual wellness visits, lab work, and age-appropriate screenings come at no additional cost.
During your annual checkup, we'll review which screenings are due based on your age, gender, family history, and personal risk factors. We'll also ensure your immunizations are up to date.
Schedule your annual wellness visit today to ensure you're up to date on all recommended screenings.