Health Screenings by Age and Sex: What to Get and When

Many of us see a doctor only when something hurts. Yet the most valuable check-ups happen when you feel perfectly well. Rising blood pressure, prediabetes or small colon polyps often cause no symptoms for years. Finding them early is an investment in many more healthy years.

Below are the main screenings by age and sex. They are based on international guidance, mainly from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and WHO.

Who this chart is for

These recommendations are for adults at average risk who feel healthy. If close relatives had early heart disease, diabetes or cancer, if you live with a chronic condition, or if you notice a worrying symptom, you may need tests earlier and more often. In that case, make a personal plan with your family doctor.

One more point: screening is for people without symptoms. If you notice a new lump, unexplained weight loss, bleeding or pain that won't go away, don't wait for your next screening. See a doctor.

For everyone: the yearly check-up and your key numbers

Annual check-up (from 18). Your family doctor checks your blood pressure, weight and waist and orders basic blood and urine tests. Always mention illnesses in your family; they matter for judging your risk.

Cholesterol (from 20). A lipid panel shows total cholesterol, LDL ("bad"), HDL ("good") and triglycerides. American Heart Association guidance supports checking lipids from age 20 (Circulation, 2019). If results are normal, the test is usually repeated every 4–6 years; with risk factors, your doctor may order it more often.

Blood sugar (from 35). A fasting glucose or HbA1c test (your average blood sugar over 3 months). USPSTF recommends testing adults aged 35–70 who have overweight, repeating about every 3 years if results are normal (USPSTF, 2021). When prediabetes is caught early, lifestyle changes can often prevent diabetes.

Teeth, eyes and hearing

Dentist (every 6 months). An exam and professional cleaning catch gum disease early. Healthy teeth let you keep eating well in later life.

Eye doctor (from 40). Every 2 years between 40 and 64, then yearly from 65: vision, eye pressure and a retina check. Glaucoma develops quietly, and sight can be saved when it is found early. With diabetes, have your eyes checked every year.

Hearing (from 50). A hearing test with an ENT doctor or audiologist every 3 years. If your hearing has dropped, don't be shy about hearing aids: good hearing keeps conversation and an active life within reach.

Cancer screening

For women

• Mammogram: every 2 years from 40 to 74 (USPSTF, 2024). With a family history of breast cancer, discuss starting earlier.
• Cervical cancer screening: from 21 to 65. A Pap test every 3 years at 21–29; at 30–65, a Pap test every 3 years or an HPV test every 5 years (USPSTF, 2018). Ask about the HPV vaccine too.
• Breast self-check: once a month, a few days after your period, look in the mirror for changes in shape or skin, then feel the whole breast with your fingertips. It doesn't replace a mammogram, but it helps you know your body.

For men

• Prostate: between 55 and 69, talk through the pros and cons of a PSA test with a urologist or family doctor. USPSTF treats this as a personal decision because screening doesn't help everyone (USPSTF, 2018). If urinating becomes difficult, get checked without waiting.

For everyone: colorectal cancer

• From 45 to 75, colorectal cancer screening is recommended (USPSTF, 2021). One option is a colonoscopy every 10 years, which finds and removes polyps before they can turn into cancer. Another is a yearly stool test for hidden blood (FIT). With a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to start earlier.

Bone density

Osteoporosis causes no symptoms, and the first sign is often a fracture. USPSTF recommends a bone density scan (DEXA) for women 65 and older, and for younger postmenopausal women with risk factors (USPSTF, 2025). For men the evidence is not yet sufficient, though some medical societies suggest testing after 70, so ask your doctor.

Vaccines and medicines

• Flu: every fall, ideally September to November. WHO especially recommends the vaccine for older adults, people with chronic conditions, pregnant women and health workers (WHO). After 65, ask your doctor about the pneumococcal vaccine too.
• Tetanus and diphtheria: a booster every 10 years. If you get a deep or dirty wound and your last shot was more than 5 years ago, see a doctor.
• Medication review (from 65, yearly): show your doctor a list of every medicine, vitamin and herbal remedy you take. Dropping unneeded or clashing drugs lowers the risk of dizziness and falls.

Screening chart

How to prepare for your visit

1. Note which illnesses your parents, brothers and sisters have had.
2. List every medicine and vitamin you take.
3. Bring your home blood pressure and weight records.
4. Write your questions down in advance; they are easy to forget in the room.
5. Keep every result and date so you can compare next time.

Let 100 Yosh remember your check-ups

The Roadmap in the 100 Yosh app lists every check-up for your age and sex. You mark the ones you've had recently, and the app reminds you when the next one is due. You can also hide check-ups that don't apply to you. The app is free and has no ads.

This article is for general information and is not medical advice — talk to your doctor before making decisions about your health.