Preventive Screenings for Adults: What to Ask Your Doctor About

Many serious health conditions — including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers — can develop for years without causing noticeable symptoms. Preventive screenings help find these problems early, often when they're easier to treat or manage.

MedlinePlus explains that screening tests look for diseases before you have symptoms. This guide gives an overview of common adult screenings. It's meant to help you prepare for a conversation with your healthcare provider, not to replace one.

Why preventive care matters

• Early detection: Finding problems early can make treatment simpler and more effective.
• Risk reduction: Some screenings, like colorectal cancer screening, can find and remove precancerous growths.
• Peace of mind: Knowing your numbers helps you and your provider make informed decisions.

Under the Affordable Care Act, many preventive services are covered without cost-sharing by most private health plans when you see an in-network provider. Check with your insurance plan for details.

Common screenings for adults

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent panel of experts, reviews evidence and makes recommendations about screenings. Below are some common screenings it addresses. Age ranges and intervals depend on your individual risk and can change as new evidence emerges, so confirm what's right for you with your provider.

For most adults

• Blood pressure: Adults should have their blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Learn more in understanding blood pressure.
• Depression and anxiety: Many providers screen adults for depression and anxiety during routine visits.
• Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: Screening is recommended for many adults, especially those who have overweight or obesity or other risk factors.
• Cholesterol and heart disease risk: Your provider may check cholesterol as part of assessing heart disease risk.
• Colorectal cancer: Screening is generally recommended for adults starting at age 45. Several test options are available, including stool-based tests and colonoscopy.
• HIV and hepatitis C: One-time or periodic screening is recommended for many adults.
• Tobacco use and unhealthy alcohol use: Providers often ask about these and can offer support. For help quitting smoking, visit Smokefree.gov.

Screenings for women

• Cervical cancer: Screening is generally recommended for women from ages 21 to 65, with options and intervals that depend on age and test type.
• Breast cancer: Mammograms are generally recommended every two years for women ages 40 to 74. Some women may need earlier or more frequent screening based on risk.
• Osteoporosis: Bone density screening is recommended for women 65 and older, and for some younger postmenopausal women at increased risk.

Screenings for men

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm: A one-time ultrasound may be recommended for men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked.
• Prostate cancer: For men ages 55 to 69, the decision about PSA screening is an individual one to make with your provider after discussing benefits and risks.

Based on specific risk factors

• Lung cancer: Yearly low-dose CT scans may be recommended for some adults ages 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
• Other screenings may be recommended based on family history, pregnancy, occupation, or other factors.

Free tool: MyHealthfinder

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers MyHealthfinder, a free tool that suggests preventive services based on your age and sex. It's a great way to prepare for your next appointment.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Which screenings do I need based on my age, family history, and health?
• How often should I have each screening?
• What are the benefits and possible downsides of this test?
• What are my options for this screening (for example, different colorectal cancer tests)?
• Are there vaccines I'm due for?
• When and how will I get my results?

Our guide on how to prepare for a doctor's visit has more tips.

Know your family history

Family history can affect when and how often you need certain screenings. Ask relatives about conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancers, including the age when they were diagnosed. Share this information with your provider.

Beyond screenings: everyday prevention

Screenings are one part of prevention. Healthy habits also lower your risk of many conditions:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Get regular physical activity
• Get enough sleep
• Don't smoke, and limit alcohol
• Stay up to date on recommended vaccines — the CDC's adult vaccine information is a starting point to discuss with your provider
• Practice sun safety and good hand hygiene

The bottom line

Preventive screenings are one of the most effective ways to protect your health. Schedule a yearly checkup, review which screenings you need, share your family history, and ask questions. Recommendations change over time, so keep the conversation going with your healthcare provider.