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Here’s something most of us know—but don’t always act on: the best time to catch a health problem is before it starts. Preventive screenings are designed to do exactly that—find issues early, often before you notice any symptoms.
The tricky part is knowing which screenings apply to you—and when. Guidelines change, recommendations vary, and it’s not always easy to keep track. This breakdown highlights recommended screenings based on guidance from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the gold standard for evidence-based preventive care.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines for adults at average risk. Your personal health history, family background, and lifestyle factors may mean you need to start certain screenings earlier or have them more frequently. That’s exactly what your annual wellness visit is for.
Not sure where you fall? Most people are due for at least one screening.
Screenings at a glance
Below is an overview of key health screenings by age. During your annual wellness visit, your provider will tailor these recommendations based on your health history and specific risk factors. You can find more detailed information further down this page.
| Age | Key Screenings to Discuss with Your Provider |
|---|---|
30s | Blood pressure check, cholesterol check, cervical cancer screening, STI screening, diabetes screening, skin checks and mental health screening |
| 40s | All of the above, plus mammography, HIV screening and colorectal cancer screening |
| 50s | All of the above, plus lung cancer screening and prostate cancer screening |
| 60s+ | All of the above, plus bone density screening, abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, hearing and vision check and fall risk assessment |
The screenings that matter most
Some screenings apply to nearly everyone. Others are specific to your age, sex, or personal risk factors. Here’s a closer look at the ones most likely to matter for you.
Screenings for everyone
- Blood pressure and cholesterol
These are two of the biggest drivers of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the US. Both can be elevated for years without any symptoms. Regular checks—starting in your 30s and continuing throughout life—are simple, fast, and can inform lifestyle or medication decisions before serious damage is done.
- Colorectal cancer screening
The recommended starting age dropped from 50 to 45 in recent years, reflecting a rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults.
A colonoscopy every 10 years is the most thorough option, but stool-based tests are a valid alternative for those who prefer a less invasive approach. Not sure which is right for you? Our colonoscopy vs. Cologuard comparison can help, and Welia Health’s colorectal and surgery team performs colonoscopies and can walk you through your options.
- Lung cancer screening
Adults aged 50 to 80 who have a significant smoking history—about a pack a day for 20 years (or the equivalent)—and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years should talk to their provider about annual low-dose CT scans. This screening has been shown to significantly reduce lung cancer deaths in high-risk individuals. Learn more about lung cancer screening with low-dose CT and whether you may be a candidate.
Women’s health screenings
- Mammography
The USPSTF updated its guidance in 2024 to recommend that women begin mammograms at age 40—a change from the previous recommendation of 50. Screening every two years is the standard for average-risk women, though your provider may suggest a different schedule based on your history. Welia Health offers 3D mammography and a full range of breast health services for women at every stage.
- Cervical cancer screening
Women should have a Pap smear every three years starting at age 21. For a broader look at gynecologic cancer screenings for women, we’ve covered that in detail separately. Welia Health’s Women’s Health providers handle these screenings as part of routine gynecologic care.
- Bone density screening
A DEXA scan is recommended for women at age 65, or earlier for those with risk factors such as low body weight, smoking history, or a family history of osteoporosis. Men may also need screening depending on their risk profile. Learn more about when to start screening for better bone health.
Men’s health screenings
- Prostate cancer screening
Unlike some screenings, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule for prostate cancer. The USPSTF recommends that men ages 55 to 69 have a conversation with their provider about the pros and cons of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Because this is a shared decision, your provider will help you weigh your personal risk factors. If you are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer, your provider may recommend starting these conversations earlier, often in your 40s.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
In addition to prostate health, men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should have a one-time ultrasound to screen for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
For a complete overview of what to keep on your radar, see our post on eight health screenings every man should know about.
“I see patients every week who feel perfectly fine, but their screenings tell a different story. Preventive care isn’t about finding problems—it’s about staying ahead of them. That’s what an annual visit is really for. If it’s been a while, come see us.”
Heidi Deutschlander, APRN, CNP
Welia Health Women’s Health provider
Your annual wellness visit does the tracking for you
You don’t need to track every guideline yourself. That’s what your annual wellness visit is for. Your Welia Health provider will review your history, identify what’s due, and help you build a personalized prevention plan.
Annual wellness visits are available at Welia Health’s Mora, Hinckley, and Pine City clinics. If you’re on Medicare, your annual wellness visit is covered at no cost—and it’s separate from a standard physical exam. Learn more about what to expect at your annual wellness visit.
Don’t wait for symptoms
If you’re not sure which screenings you’re due for—or it’s simply been a while—your Welia Health Family Medicine provider is a great place to start. A single conversation can give you a clear picture of where you stand and what to prioritize next.
To make an appointment, call 320.679.1313 or log in to MyChart to schedule online.
