Below is a handy chart to keep you up-to-date on your preventive health screenings. Information in this list was compiled from recommendations from the American Cancer Society, National Women’s Health Organization, American Heart Association and Imaginis Breast Cancer Resources. These are general guidelines only. Be sure to consult with your doctor to determine the proper screening schedule for you.
| Recommended Screenings for Adults |
| |
| Weight and height measurement |
Every 1-2 years |
| Physical exam |
Every 2 years |
| Cholesterol screening |
Every 2 years beginning at age 20 |
| Blood pressure screening |
At each doctor’s visit or at least every 2 years |
| Thyroid test |
Every 5 years beginning at age 35 |
| Bone density test (women only) |
Beginning at age 50 and thereafter as recommended by your doctor |
| Blood glucose test |
Every 3 years beginning at age 45 |
| Clinical breast exam (women only) |
Annually |
| Mammogram (women only) |
Every one to two years beginning at age 40, annually beginning at age 50 |
| Pap smear and pelvic exam (women only) |
Annually beginning at age 18 |
| Prostate screening (men only) |
Annually beginning at age 50, or 45 if family history |
| Colonoscopy |
Annually beginning at age 50, or 45 if family history |
| Skin/mole exam |
Monthly mole self-exam and annual exam by physician |
| Immunizations |
Influenza annually if at risk or age 50 or older, tetanus every 10 years |
| Vision test |
Every 2-4 years beginning at age 50 and depending on medical history |
| Hearing |
Beginning at age 50, repeat every 2-4 years depending on medical history |
| Dental exam |
Every 1-2 years |