Here is timetable of recommended age-appropriate medical screening test.
Age |
Concern |
Frequency |
20s |
Blood Pressure
|
At all appointments; at least once every 3 years, more often if high
|
Cholesterol
|
At least every 5 years, more frequently if results are high
|
Diabetes
|
Every 3 years for those with risk factors
|
Chlamydia, STDs
|
Annually for those who are sexually active up to age 26; after for those at risk
|
Glaucoma
|
Every 3 to 5 years for high risk, at least once with no risk
|
Melanoma
|
At least every 5 years
|
Breast Cancer (women)
|
Clinical breast exam every 3 years
|
Cervical Cancer (women)
|
Annual pap test beginning at age 21 or within 3 years of becoming sexually active
|
30s (add) |
Cholesterol
|
Every 3 years for those with risk factors
|
Glaucoma
|
Every 2 to 4 years
|
Cervical Cancer (women)
|
Annual pap or for women at low risk every 3 years after 3 consecutive annual
negative results
|
40s (add) |
Breast Cancer (women)
|
Clinical breast exam and mammogram every 1 to 2 years
|
Prostate Cancer (men)
|
PSA for men at high risk and digital rectal exam
|
Colorectal Cancer
|
Colonoscopy every 10 years or fecal occult blood test every year and sigmoidoscopy
every 5 years
|
50s (add) |
Diabetes
|
Every 3 years
|
Prostate Cancer (men)
|
Counseling and possible PSA and digital rectal exam
|
Blood Pressure
|
At least once a year and more frequently if high
|
Osteoporosis (women)
|
Every 2 years for postmenopausal women at risk
|
Breast Cancer (women)
|
Clinical breast exam and mammogram every year
|
60s (add) |
Glaucoma
|
After age 65, every 1 to 2 years
|
Osteoporosis (women)
|
Every 2 years for women over 65
|
70s (add) |
Cervical Cancer (women)
|
Pap test every 1 to 3 years at patient/clinician discretion or for those
at high risk
|