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.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Cervical Cancer Screening”
Accessed at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cervical-cancer-screening
UpToDate. “Overview of preventive care in adults”
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