Preventive Screenings Adults Should Know About
Preventive screenings are tests and health checks used to find certain conditions early, sometimes before symptoms appear. They are an important part of adult health care because early detection can lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes.
Preventive care should be personalized based on age, sex, family history, medical conditions, medications, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Blood pressure screening
High blood pressure is common and often has no symptoms. Adults should have blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications.
Cholesterol screening
Cholesterol screening helps identify heart disease and stroke risk. A lipid panel usually checks LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Cholesterol screening every 5 years starting at age 19 works well for most adults, though people with higher risk may need more frequent testing.
Diabetes and prediabetes screening
Diabetes screening may include A1C, fasting glucose, or other tests. Screening is especially important if you have risk factors such as overweight, family history, high blood pressure, history of gestational diabetes, PCOS, or abnormal cholesterol.
Colorectal cancer screening
Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for many adults beginning at age 45. Screening options may include stool-based tests or colonoscopy depending on risk, symptoms, and patient preference. USPSTF recommendations include colorectal cancer screening for adults ages 45 to 49 and 50 to 75.
Breast cancer screening
Many average-risk women should begin regular mammography screening at age 40. Screening timing can vary based on personal risk factors, family history, prior biopsy history, genetics, and provider guidance.
Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer screening may include a Pap test, HPV testing, or both depending on age and risk factors. USPSTF lists cervical cancer screening for women ages 21 to 65.
Lung cancer screening
Some adults with a significant smoking history may qualify for annual low-dose CT lung cancer screening. Eligibility depends on age, smoking history, and whether the person currently smokes or quit within a certain time frame.
Bone density screening
Bone density testing may be recommended for women starting at age 65 and for some younger people with risk factors such as fractures, long-term steroid use, low body weight, smoking history, or certain medical conditions.
Vaccines
Preventive care also includes vaccines. Adults may need vaccines for flu, COVID-19, tetanus, shingles, pneumonia, hepatitis, RSV, or other conditions depending on age and risk factors.
Skin, dental, and eye health
Preventive care also includes routine dental care, eye exams when appropriate, and evaluation of changing skin lesions or concerning moles.
Can telehealth help?
Yes. Telehealth can help review your risk factors, discuss which screenings may be due, order certain labs, review results, and help guide referrals for imaging or procedures when needed.
When preventive screening is not enough
Do not wait for routine screening if you have symptoms. New breast lumps, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, new neurologic symptoms, or abnormal bleeding should be evaluated promptly.
Final thought
Preventive screenings are not about looking for problems unnecessarily. They are about finding important health concerns early, when they may be easier to treat.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, signs of infection, severe allergic reaction symptoms, trouble breathing, or a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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