Stay Ahead of Your Health: Annual Screenings Adults Shouldn’t Miss

Here’s something most of us can agree on: preventive care is one of the most powerful tools available to detect health concerns early, manage risk factors and support long-term wellness. It’s not just about avoiding illness, it’s about protecting your quality of life.

“Preventive medicine is a cornerstone of effective health care, providing individuals with the best opportunity to maintain long-term health and vitality,” says Maura Fagan, MPAS, PA-C, a physician assistant at Silt Family Practice. “Early identification of disease enables more effective treatment and improved health outcomes across the lifespan.”

While recommended screenings can vary based on factors such as family history, lifestyle and gender, most are simple to complete, Maura notes, and can often be done during a routine annual checkup. In many cases, both annual visits and preventive screenings are fully covered by insurance, making them an accessible and cost-effective way to stay on top of your health.

Maura recommends prioritizing the following essential screenings at your annual visit, broken down by decade. A brief conversation with your health care provider can help tailor this checklist to your individual needs.

Ages 18–39: Establishing Healthy Baselines

• Annual physical exam: Includes blood pressure monitoring, BMI assessment and lifestyle counseling
• Pap smear (women): Every 3 years starting at age 21; Pap with HPV co-testing every 5 years from ages 30–65
• Being “breast aware”: Routine breast exams are no longer recommended; instead, individuals are encouraged to be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and to seek medical care if they notice any changes.
• STI screening: Annual testing for sexually active individuals
• Cholesterol screening: Every 4–6 years beginning at age 20
• Skin checks: Annual self-exams; dermatologist visits if at increased risk
• Annual anxiety and depression screening

Ages 40–49: Watching for Early Warning Signs

• Mammogram (women): Begin at age 40; every 1–2 years depending on risk factors
• Diabetes screening: Every 3 years starting at age 35, or earlier if overweight or at higher risk
• Eye exam: Every 2–4 years; more frequently if you wear glasses or have risk factors
• Colorectal cancer screening: Begin at age 45 (colonoscopy every 10 years, Cologuard every 3 years or other tests more frequently)
• Thyroid function test: Periodic screening, especially for women or those with a family history
• Annual anxiety and depression screening

Ages 50–64: Prioritizing Prevention

• Colorectal cancer screening: Continue regular screening after starting at age 45
• Bone density test (women): Begin at age 65, or earlier for those at high risk
• Prostate cancer screening (men): Discuss PSA testing with your healthcare provider starting at age 50
• Lung cancer screening: Annual low-dose CT scan for adults ages 50–80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history
• Hepatitis C screening: One-time test for adults ages 18–79
• HIV screening: One-time test for adults ages 15-65, unless high risk
• Annual anxiety and depression screening

Ages 65 and Older: Staying Independent and Healthy

• Annual wellness visit: Medicare covers many services designed to create a personalized prevention plan
• Hearing and vision tests: Annually or as needed, depending on your Medicare plan
• Cognitive screening: Helps detect early signs of dementia
• Vaccinations:
  • Flu (annually)
  • COVID (based on risk factors and comorbidities)
  • Shingles (two-dose series after age 50)
  • RSV (after age 60 for those with risk factors)
  • Pneumococcal (after age 50)
  • Tdap (every 10 years) Note: RSV, Tdap and shingles vaccines are covered completely through your pharmacy under Medicare.
• Fall risk assessment: Essential for maintaining mobility, safety and independence

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Valley View primary care provider, visit https://www.vvh.org/services/adult-primary-care/