Take charge of your health
Testing for prevention
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
- Benjamin Franklin
Medical tests are used to diagnose disorders and are also critically important to preventive care, helping identify conditions in their early stages which can lead to better patient outcomes. Routine screenings enable physicians to compare test results over time and increase the chance that a health problem can be prevented with interventions such as medications or lifestyle changes. Primary care physicians will often recommend an annual screening schedule that includes: a physical exam, body mass index (BMI), skin check, blood work including cholesterol, blood pressure screening, eye exam, immunizations, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, eye exam, hearing exam and dental exam.
The specific screenings you need changes with age, and depend on your personal and family medical history, and your risk factors for particular diseases. One of the best preventive care practices is a simple blood test. Blood tests can: see if elements in your blood are within the normal range…check how your heart, kidneys, liver and immune system are working…help diagnose diabetes, anemia, heart disease, bleeding disorders, and cancer…and provide results on the effectiveness of medication you are taking. Common blood tests include a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry tests, blood enzyme tests, and tests for heart disease.
The following list contains of some of the more common preventive medical procedures for adults and how frequently they should be performed. It is best to speak with your doctor to determine a personalized program based on your physical condition, mental health, age, sex, risk factors, and family history. It will be helpful if you keep a list with the dates of your screenings, blood work results, and vaccines.
Annual check-up: Once a year for all adults. Generally recommend starting annual medical exams at age 18-22 with women often starting gynecological exams between the ages of 13-15. For young adults it is important to establish a baseline and also to develop a relationship with a primary care physician.
Blood pressure: Once or twice a year for adults 40 or older and those at increased risk. Every 3 years for adults ages 18 to 40 with normal blood pressure and no risk factors.
Cholesterol: Adults should get a baseline screening around age 20 and then repeat it at least every 4 to 6 years if they are low-risk. Often annual testing is recommended for adults with risk factors such as family history of early heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Blood Work:
Young adults (18-39): Routine blood work every five years may be sufficient if you are in good health.
Middle-aged adults (40s and 50s): A more frequent schedule of every two to three years, is often recommended.
Seniors (60+): Annual testing is recommended to monitor health and identify potential issues early.
Chronic illnesses: More frequent blood work is required to monitor conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic diseases.
Medication monitoring: Doctors can order blood tests to ensure your medications are effective and to monitor side effects.
Type 2 diabetes: Screen every three years for ages 18 to 70 who are overweight or obese. More frequent screening may be necessary for those with other risk factors.
Cancer Screening:
Breast cancer (mammogram/ultrasound testing): Women ages 40 to 74 at average risk should have a mammogram every one to two years. Women with dense breasts often have ultrasound tests.
Cervical cancer (Pap test): Ages 21 to 29: A Pap test every three years. Ages 30 to 65: A Pap test alone every three years; HPV testing alone every five years or co-testing every five years.
Colorectal cancer: Most adults should begin screening between age 40 and 45 and continue until age 75 or 80. A colonoscopy is typically performed every 10 years if results are normal and you do not have any polyps. If you have risk factors like a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, previous pelvic radiation therapy, or genetic conditions, you may need to start screening earlier and undergo more frequent procedures.
Lung cancer: Annual low-dose CT screening is recommended for adults ages 55 to 80 who have a 30 pack/year smoking history and either currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
Vaccines:
Flu shot Vaccine: Annually for all adults.
Tetanus and diphtheria (Td)/Tdap Vaccine: A Td booster is needed every 10 years. All adults should receive one Tdap vaccine if they did not get it as an adolescent. Pregnant women should receive Tdap during each pregnancy.
Shingles Vaccine (RZV): Two doses for adults age 50 and older.
Pneumococcal (pneumonia) Vaccine: Recommended for all adults age 65 and older and for younger adults with certain medical conditions.
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Hep B: A two-, three-, or four-dose series for unvaccinated adults up to age 59. Adults age 60 and older should discuss their risk with a doctor. Hep C: one time screen ages 18-79.
COVID-19 Vaccine: The CDC provides updated recommendations on the COVID-19 vaccine.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm: A one-time ultrasound screening for men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked.
Some simple guidelines from Stanford Medicine are:
Age 20 and up:
Annual
Blood pressure, height, weight, body mass index (BMI)
Cardiovascular evaluation
Comprehensive physical exam
Depression screening
Skin cancer screening
Clinical breast exam
Testicular cancer screening
Every 2-5 years:
As needed
Age 40 add:
Age 45 add:
Age 50 add:
Age 65 and up add:
Bone density test (every two years)
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (if you have smoked)
Dementia and Alzheimer’s screening
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