Recommended Health Screenings by Age: What to Check in Your 20s, 30s, 40s, and Beyond

 

🇬🇧 British English Version

Recommended Health Screenings by Age

In Your 20s:

• Blood pressure check every 2 years

• Sexual health screenings (STIs) if sexually active

• Cervical screening (smear test) every 3 years for women aged 25+

• Mental health assessments (if symptoms are present)

In Your 30s:

• Cholesterol test every 5 years

• Type 2 diabetes risk assessment (especially if overweight)

• Breast awareness and self-examination

• Cervical screening continues every 3 years

In Your 40s:

• NHS Health Check every 5 years (includes heart disease, stroke, diabetes risk)

• Mammogram if at higher risk (usually starts from age 50 on the NHS)

• Bowel cancer risk discussion

In Your 50s:

• Bowel cancer screening begins (home testing every 2 years in England)

• Mammogram every 3 years for women aged 50–70

• Prostate health discussion for men

• Bone density scan if risk factors are present

In Your 60s and Beyond:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening for men (at age 65)

• Hearing and vision tests regularly

• Cognitive function screening (early dementia signs)

• Osteoporosis screening for postmenopausal women

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🇺🇸 American English Version

Recommended Health Screenings by Age

20s:

• Blood pressure screening every 2 years

• STD testing (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea) if sexually active

• Pap smear every 3 years starting at age 21

• Mental health check-ins as needed

30s:

• Cholesterol screening every 4–6 years

• Blood glucose test if overweight or at risk

• Skin checks for moles or suspicious spots

• Pap smear and HPV testing

40s:

• Mammograms may begin for women at higher risk

• Diabetes screening every 3 years starting at 45

• Eye exam every 2–4 years

• Colon cancer risk assessment

50s:

• Colonoscopy every 10 years (starting at age 45–50)

• Mammogram every 1–2 years

• Prostate cancer screening (PSA test) based on personal risk

• Shingles and pneumococcal vaccines

60s and Older:

• Bone density testing for women 65+ and men at risk

• Hearing and vision screenings annually

• Cognitive health checks

• Continued cancer screenings based on health and history