Preventive Health Schedule

Individuals with no underlying medical conditions may wish to consider the following preventive health-screening schedule. Your schedule may change based on risk factors and family history. Have a discussion with your physician to learn what your exact preventive schedule should look like. Visit the CDC for more information on preventive health.

Men

Prostate Cancer Screening

  • Age 50: For men of average risk. Have a discussion with your physician to determine what screening is best suited to you.
  • Ages 45: Men of high risk; African American men who have a parent, brother, or child who was diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65.
  • Age 40: Men at even higher risk due to having more than one first-degree relative who was diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65.

Women

Pelvic & Breast Exam

  • Age 40+: Once a year, starting with annual visits.

 

Mammogram

  • Women who have risk factors may start screening at a younger age. Please discuss with your physician.
  • Age 45-54: Once a year
  • Age 55+: Once every one to two years

 

Bone Density Screening

  • Once at age 65, unless instructed by your physician.

 

Pap Smear

  • The frequency of cervical cancer screening and which tests you should have depend on your age and health history.
  • Women aged 21–29 should have a Pap test every 3 years. HPV testing is not recommended.
  • Women aged 30–65 should have a Pap test and an HPV test (co-testing) every 5 years (preferred). It also is acceptable to have a Pap test every 3 years.

Vaccines

“Booster” immunizations can protect both adult men and women against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Individuals who are 65+ years of age should receive vaccines instructed by their physician.

Flu Shot

  • Once a year

 

Shingles

  • Zostavax: Age 60 or older, one dose
  • Shingrix: Age 50 or older, two doses

 

Tetanus Booster

  • Every 10 years

 

Pneumonia Vaccine

  • Age 65+: one or two doses in a lifetime
    • *High-risk population may require vaccine before age 65

General Testing

Routine Physical

  • Once a year; should include blood pressure screening, weight check/BMI screening, skin cancer screening, depression screening, and drug/alcohol/tobacco use assessment.

 

Colonoscopy

  • Every 10 years, beginning at age 45 unless instructed otherwise by your physician.

 

Cholesterol Screening

  • Every 5 years after age 20, unless instructed otherwise by your physician.

 

Lung Cancer Screening

  • Ages 55-80: If you have a smoking history within the past 15 years. Once a year if you currently smoke.

 

Hepatitis C Screening

  • Once for adults born between 1945-1965.

 

Skin Cancer Screening

  • Individuals at an increased risk for skin cancer should regularly do a self-examination of their skin and notify their doctor if moles change. High-risk individuals are white males over 50, individuals with a history of significant sunburn or multiple moles.

Download the Free Resource

Access a printer-friendly version of the resource to reference later.

Download PDF

Contact a Patient Advocate Today

ConnectCare3 is a confidential benefit for those covered under their employer’s health insurance plan. If you have questions or would like to enroll in one of ConnectCare3’s services, contact us today.