Use the tool below to learn more about recommended screenings by age and gender. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent panel of medical experts who are primary care providers, publishes and regularly updates these guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. Decisions about which screenings to get and when to get them should be made in consultation with your doctor. Your medical history and risk factors for certain diseases and conditions are important factors to consider when thinking about getting screened.
The new health care law requires that new individual plans cover the screenings included in these charts. Consult the full list of included preventive services to learn more, and check your insurance policy to find out if your plan will cover these tests.
Download printable Adobe Acrobat PDFs with recommendations for men and women, and use the tool below to find screenings for your gender and age.
Health Screenings for Women
The following recommendations from the USPSTF are for women 40 and older.
Ages 40-49
Alcohol Misuse Screening
What is it?
A single- or multiple-question test to assess alcohol use with the goal of helping individuals who drink excessively to reduce their consumption to safer levels
When to get it?
No official recommendation
Blood Pressure Screening
What is it?
A test that measures the force of blood flow through your arteries
When to get it?
At least once every two years
Cervical Cancer Screening
What is it?
A Pap test, or Pap smear, detects changes in the cells of the cervix that indicate cervical cancer.
When to get it?
Once every one to three years. If you are over 65 and your last test was normal or if you have had a total hysterectomy, you can stop.
Cholesterol Screening
What is it?
A blood test that measures cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the "bad" cholesterol; HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the "good" cholesterol; and total cholesterol
When to get it?
Screen at least every five years if other indicators of cardiovascular disease are present.
Depression Screening
What is it?
A two-question screening that asks: During the past two weeks, have you felt down or hopeless? Have you had little interest in doing things you enjoy?
When to get it?
If, over the last two weeks, you feel down, hopeless or no longer enjoy activities that used to give you pleasure.
Diabetes Screening
What is it?
The fasting plasma glucose test is a blood test administered after eight hours of fasting and measures blood sugar levels.
When to get it?
Screen once every three years if blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medications for high blood pressure.
HIV/Chlamydia/Syphilis/Gonorrhea Screening
What is it?
Tests detect antibodies of these sexually transmitted diseases in bodily fluids.
When to get it?If you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners or have a new partner; have a history of sexually transmitted infection; use or have used injection drugs; or had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985. Talk with your doctor about your risk for these diseases and how frequently you should be screened.
Obesity Screening
What is it?
Your body mass index (BMI) is a formula that calculates your body fat (and obesity risk) based on your weight and height.
When to get it?
No official recommendation, but the best way to know whether you are overweight or obese is to calculate your BMI, either online or by asking your doctor. Doing so once per calendar year is a good idea.
Tobacco Use Screening
What is it?
Doctors ask patients about their tobacco use and provide interventions for those who use tobacco products.
When to get it?
Screen at every doctor's visit
Ages 50-59
Alcohol Misuse Screening
What is it?
A single- or multiple-question test to assess alcohol use with the goal of helping individuals who drink excessively to reduce their consumption to safer levels
When to get it?
No official recommendation
Blood Pressure Screening
What is it?
A test that measures the force of blood flow through your arteries
When to get it?
At least every two years
Breast Cancer Screening
What is it?
Mammograms are low-radiation scans of breast tissue in women that check for abnormalities.
When to get it?
Women ages 50 to 74 need a mammogram every two years.
Cervical Cancer Screening
What is it?
A Pap test, or Pap smear, detects changes in the cells of the cervix that indicate cervical cancer.
When to get it?
Once every one to three years. If you are over 65 and your last test was normal or if you have had a total hysterectomy, you can stop.
Cholesterol Screening
What is it?
A blood test that measures cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the "bad" cholesterol; HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the "good" cholesterol; and total cholesterol
When to get it?
Screen at least every five years if other indicators of cardiovascular disease are present.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
What is it?
Three methods are recommended for colorectal cancer screening. A colonoscopy uses a camera to check for cancer, polyps, ulcers and other abnormalities in the colon and rectum. A sigmoidoscopy also uses a camera to check for those conditions, but only in the pelvic colon and rectum. Stool sample tests check for blood in the stool.
When to get it?
For all methods, start at age 50 and stop at age 75. For colonoscopy, every 10 years and more often if you have risk factors. For sigmoidoscopy, every 5 years and more often if you have risk factors. For stool sample tests, every year.
Depression Screening
What is it?
A two-question screening that asks: During the past two weeks, have you felt down or hopeless? Have you had little interest in doing things you enjoy?
When to get it?
If, over the last two weeks, you've felt down, hopeless or no longer enjoy activities that used to give you pleasure.
Diabetes Screening
What is it?
The fasting plasma glucose test is a blood test administered after eight hours of fasting and measures blood sugar levels.
When to get it?
Screen once every three years if blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medications for high blood pressure.
HIV/Chlamydia/Syphilis/Gonorrhea Screening
What is it?
Tests detect antibodies of these sexually transmitted diseases in bodily fluids.
When to get it?
If you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners or have a new partner; have a history of sexually transmitted infection; use or have used injection drugs; or had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985. Talk with your doctor about your risk for these diseases and how frequently you should be screened.
Obesity Screening
What is it?
Your body mass index (BMI) is a formula that calculates your body fat (and obesity risk) based on your weight and height.
When to get it?
No official recommendation, but the best way to know whether you are overweight or obese is to calculate your BMI, either online or by asking your doctor. Doing so once per calendar year is a good idea.
Tobacco Use Screening
What is it?
Doctors ask patients about their tobacco use and provide interventions for those who use tobacco products.
When to get it?
Screen at every doctor's visit
Ages 60-69
Alcohol Misuse Screening
What is it?
A single- or multiple-question test to assess alcohol use with the goal of helping individuals who drink excessively to reduce their consumption to safer levels
When to get it?
No official recommendation
Blood Pressure Screening
What is it?
A test that measures the force of blood flow through your arteries
When to get it?
At least every two years
Breast Cancer Screening
What is it?
Mammograms are low-radiation scans of breast tissue in women that check for abnormalities.
When to get it?
Women ages 50 to 74 need a mammogram every two years.
Cervical Cancer Screening
What is it?
A Pap test, or Pap smear, detects changes in the cells of the cervix that indicate cervical cancer.
When to get it?
Once every one to three years. If you are over 65 and your last test was normal or if you have had a total hysterectomy, you can stop.
Cholesterol Screening
What is it?
A blood test that measures cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the "bad" cholesterol; HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the "good" cholesterol; and total cholesterol
When to get it?
Screen at least every five years if other indicators of cardiovascular disease are present.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
What is it?
Three methods are recommended for colorectal cancer screening. A colonoscopy uses a camera to check for cancer, polyps, ulcers and other abnormalities in the colon and rectum. A sigmoidoscopy also uses a camera to check for those conditions, but only in the pelvic colon and rectum. Stool sample tests check for blood in the stool.
When to get it?
For all methods, start at age 50 and stop at age 75. For colonoscopy, every 10 years and more often if you have risk factors. For sigmoidoscopy, every 5 years and more often if you have risk factors. For stool sample tests, every year.
Depression Screening
What is it?
A two-question screening that asks: During the past two weeks, have you felt down or hopeless? Have you had little interest in doing things you enjoy?
When to get it?
If, over the last two weeks, you've felt down, hopeless or no longer enjoy activities that used to give you pleasure.
Diabetes Screening
What is it?
The fasting plasma glucose test is a blood test administered after eight hours of fasting and measures blood sugar levels.
When to get it?
Screen once every three years if blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medications for high blood pressure.
HIV/Chlamydia/Syphilis/Gonorrhea Screening
What is it?
Tests detect antibodies of these sexually transmitted diseases in bodily fluids.
When to get it?
If you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners or have a new partner; have a history of sexually transmitted infection; use or have used injection drugs; or had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985. Talk with your doctor about your risk for these diseases and how frequently you should be screened.
Obesity Screening
What is it?
Your body mass index (BMI) is a formula that calculates your body fat (and obesity risk) based on your weight and height.
When to get it?
No official recommendation, but the best way to know whether you are overweight or obese is to calculate your BMI, either online or by asking your doctor. Doing so once per calendar year is a good idea.
Osteoporosis Screening
What is it?
A bone density test is an X-ray that measures calcium and other minerals in the bone to check for osteoporosis.
When to get it?
Every two to five years for women 65 and older. Women younger than 65 with risk factors and older men should talk to their doctors about screenings.
Tobacco Use Screening
What is it?
Doctors ask patients about their tobacco use and provide interventions for those who use tobacco products.
When to get it?
Screen at every doctor's visit
Ages 70-74
Alcohol Misuse Screening
What is it?
A single- or multiple-question test to assess alcohol use with the goal of helping individuals who drink excessively to reduce their consumption to safer levels
When to get it?
No official recommendation
Blood Pressure Screening
What is it?
A test that measures the force of blood flow through your arteries
When to get it?
At least every two years
Breast Cancer Screening
What is it?
Mammograms are low-radiation scans of breast tissue in women that check for abnormalities.
When to get it?
Women ages 50 to 74 need a mammogram every two years.
Cholesterol Screening
What is it?
A blood test that measures cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the "bad" cholesterol; HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the "good" cholesterol; and total cholesterol
When to get it?
Screen at least every five years if other indicators of cardiovascular disease are present.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
What is it?
Three methods are recommended for colorectal cancer screening. A colonoscopy uses a camera to check for cancer, polyps, ulcers and other abnormalities in the colon and rectum. A sigmoidoscopy also uses a camera to check for those conditions, but only in the pelvic colon and rectum. Stool sample tests check for blood in the stool.
When to get it?
For all methods, start at age 50 and stop at age 75. For colonoscopy, every 10 years and more often if you have risk factors. For sigmoidoscopy, every 5 years and more often if you have risk factors. For stool sample tests, every year.
Depression Screening
What is it?
A two-question screening that asks: During the past two weeks, have you felt down or hopeless? Have you had little interest in doing things you enjoy?
When to get it?
If, over the last two weeks, you've felt down, hopeless or no longer enjoy activities that used to give you pleasure.
Diabetes Screening
What is it?
The fasting plasma glucose test is a blood test administered after eight hours of fasting and measures blood sugar levels.
When to get it?
Screen once every three years if blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medications for high blood pressure.
HIV/Chlamydia/Syphilis/Gonorrhea Screening
What is it?
Tests detect antibodies of these sexually transmitted diseases in bodily fluids.
When to get it?
If you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners or have a new partner; have a history of sexually transmitted infection; use or have used injection drugs; or had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985. Talk with your doctor about your risk for these diseases and how frequently you should be screened.
Obesity Screening
What is it?
Your body mass index (BMI) is a formula that calculates your body fat (and obesity risk) based on your weight and height.
When to get it?
No official recommendation, but the best way to know whether you are overweight or obese is to calculate your BMI, either online or by asking your doctor. Doing so once per calendar year is a good idea.
Osteoporosis Screening
What is it?
A bone density test is an X-ray that measures calcium and other minerals in the bone to check for osteoporosis.
When to get it?
Every two to five years for women 65 and older. Women younger than 65 with risk factors and older men should talk to their doctors about screenings.
Tobacco Use Screening
What is it?
Doctors ask patients about their tobacco use and provide interventions for those who use tobacco products.
When to get it?
Screen at every doctor's visit
Ages 75+
Alcohol Misuse Screening
What is it?
A single- or multiple-question test to assess alcohol use with the goal of helping individuals who drink excessively to reduce their consumption to safer levels
When to get it?
No official recommendation
Blood Pressure Screening
What is it?
A test that measures the force of blood flow through your arteries
When to get it?
At least every two years
Cholesterol Screening
What is it?
A blood test that measures cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the "bad" cholesterol; HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the "good" cholesterol; and total cholesterol
When to get it?
Screen at least every five years if other indicators of cardiovascular disease are present.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
What is it?
Three methods are recommended for colorectal cancer screening. A colonoscopy uses a camera to check for cancer, polyps, ulcers and other abnormalities in the colon and rectum. A sigmoidoscopy also uses a camera to check for those conditions, but only in the pelvic colon and rectum. Stool sample tests check for blood in the stool.
When to get it?
For all methods, start at age 50 and stop at age 75. For colonoscopy, every 10 years and more often if you have risk factors. For sigmoidoscopy, every 5 years and more often if you have risk factors. For stool sample tests, every year.
Depression Screening
What is it?
A two-question screening that asks: During the past two weeks, have you felt down or hopeless? Have you had little interest in doing things you enjoy?
When to get it?
If, over the last two weeks, you've felt down, hopeless or no longer enjoy activities that used to give you pleasure.
Diabetes Screening
What is it?
The fasting plasma glucose test is a blood test administered after eight hours of fasting and measures blood sugar levels.
When to get it?
Screen once every three years if blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medications for high blood pressure.
HIV/Chlamydia/Syphilis/Gonorrhea Screening
What is it?
Tests detect antibodies of these sexually transmitted diseases in bodily fluids.
When to get it?
If you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners or have a new partner; have a history of sexually transmitted infection; use or have used injection drugs; or had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985. Talk with your doctor about your risk for these diseases and how frequently you should be screened.
Obesity Screening
What is it?
Your body mass index (BMI) is a formula that calculates your body fat (and obesity risk) based on your weight and height.
When to get it?
No official recommendation, but the best way to know whether you are overweight or obese is to calculate your BMI, either online or by asking your doctor. Doing so once per calendar year is a good idea.
Osteoporosis Screening
What is it?
A bone density test is an X-ray that measures calcium and other minerals in the bone to check for osteoporosis.
When to get it?
Every two to five years for women 65 and older. Women younger than 65 with risk factors and older men should talk to their doctors about screenings.
Tobacco Use Screening
What is it?
Doctors ask patients about their tobacco use and provide interventions for those who use tobacco products.
When to get it?
Screen at every doctor's visit
Health Screenings for Men
The following recommendations from the USPSTF are for men 40 and older.
Ages 40-49
Alcohol Misuse Screening
What is it?
A single- or multiple-question test to assess alcohol use with the goal of helping individuals who drink excessively to reduce their consumption to safer levels
When to get it?
No official recommendation
Blood Pressure Screening
What is it?
A test that measures the force of blood flow through your arteries
When to get it?
At least every two years
Cholesterol Screening
What is it?
A blood test that measures cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the "bad" cholesterol; HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the "good" cholesterol; and total cholesterol
When to get it?
Screen at least every five years.
Depression Screening
What is it?
A two-question screening that asks: During the past two weeks, have you felt down or hopeless? Have you had little interest in doing things you enjoy?
When to get it?
If, over the last two weeks, you've felt down, hopeless or no longer enjoy activities that used to give you pleasure.
Diabetes Screening
What is it?
The fasting plasma glucose test is a blood test administered after eight hours of fasting and measures blood sugar levels.
When to get it?
Screen once every three years if blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medications for high blood pressure.
HIV/Chlamydia/Syphilis/Gonorrhea Screening
What is it?
Tests detect antibodies of these sexually transmitted diseases in bodily fluids.
When to get it?
If you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners or have a new partner; have a history of sexually transmitted infection; use or have used injection drugs; or had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985. Talk with your doctor about your risk for these diseases and how frequently you should be screened.
Obesity Screening
What is it?
Your body mass index (BMI) is a formula that calculates your body fat (and obesity risk) based on your weight and height.
When to get it?
No official recommendation, but the best way to know whether you are overweight or obese is to calculate your BMI, either online or by asking your doctor. Doing so once per calendar year is a good idea.
Tobacco Use Screening
What is it?
Doctors ask patients about their tobacco use and provide interventions for those who use tobacco products.
When to get it?
Screen at every doctor's visit
Ages 50-59
Alcohol Misuse Screening
What is it?
A single- or multiple-question test to assess alcohol use with the goal of helping individuals who drink excessively to reduce their consumption to safer levels
When to get it?
No official recommendation
Blood Pressure Screening
What is it?
A test that measures the force of blood flow through your arteries
When to get it?
At least every two years
Cholesterol Screening
What is it?
A blood test that measures cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the "bad" cholesterol; HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the "good" cholesterol; and total cholesterol
When to get it?
Screen at least every five years.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
What is it?
Three methods are recommended for colorectal cancer screening. A colonoscopy uses a camera to check for cancer, polyps, ulcers and other abnormalities in the colon and rectum. A sigmoidoscopy also uses a camera to check for those conditions, but only in the pelvic colon and rectum. Stool sample tests check for blood in the stool.
When to get it?
For all methods, start at age 50 and stop at age 75. For colonoscopy, every 10 years and more often if you have risk factors. For sigmoidoscopy, every 5 years and more often if you have risk factors. For stool sample tests, every year.
Depression Screening
What is it?
A two-question screening that asks: During the past two weeks, have you felt down or hopeless? Have you had little interest in doing things you enjoy?
When to get it?
If, over the last two weeks, you've felt down, hopeless or no longer enjoy activities that used to give you pleasure.
Diabetes Screening
What is it?
The fasting plasma glucose test is a blood test administered after eight hours of fasting and measures blood sugar levels.
When to get it?
Screen once every three years if blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medications for high blood pressure.
HIV/Chlamydia/Syphilis/Gonorrhea Screening
What is it?
Tests detect antibodies of these sexually transmitted diseases in bodily fluids.
When to get it?
If you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners or have a new partner; have a history of sexually transmitted infection; use or have used injection drugs; or had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985. Talk with your doctor about your risk for these diseases and how frequently you should be screened.
Obesity Screening
What is it?
Your body mass index (BMI) is a formula that calculates your body fat (and obesity risk) based on your weight and height.
When to get it?
No official recommendation, but the best way to know whether you are overweight or obese is to calculate your BMI, either online or by asking your doctor. Doing so once per calendar year is a good idea.
Tobacco Use Screening
What is it?
Doctors ask patients about their tobacco use and provide interventions for those who use tobacco products.
When to get it?
Screen at every doctor's visit
Ages 60-64
Alcohol Misuse Screening
What is it?
A single- or multiple-question test to assess alcohol use with the goal of helping individuals who drink excessively to reduce their consumption to safer levels
When to get it?
No official recommendation
Blood Pressure Screening
What is it?
A test that measures the force of blood flow through your arteries
When to get it?
At least every two years
Cholesterol Screening
What is it?
A blood test that measures cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the "bad" cholesterol; HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the "good" cholesterol; and total cholesterol
When to get it?
Screen at least every five years.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
What is it?
Three methods are recommended for colorectal cancer screening. A colonoscopy uses a camera to check for cancer, polyps, ulcers and other abnormalities in the colon and rectum. A sigmoidoscopy also uses a camera to check for those conditions, but only in the pelvic colon and rectum. Stool sample tests check for blood in the stool.
When to get it?
For all methods, start at age 50 and stop at age 75. For colonoscopy, every 10 years and more often if you have risk factors. For sigmoidoscopy, every 5 years and more often if you have risk factors. For stool sample tests, every year.
Depression Screening
What is it?
A two-question screening that asks: During the past two weeks, have you felt down or hopeless? Have you had little interest in doing things you enjoy?
When to get it?
If, over the last two weeks, you've felt down, hopeless or no longer enjoy activities that used to give you pleasure.
Diabetes Screening
What is it?
The fasting plasma glucose test is a blood test administered after eight hours of fasting and measures blood sugar levels.
When to get it?
Screen once every three years if blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medications for high blood pressure.
HIV/Chlamydia/Syphilis/Gonorrhea Screening
What is it?
Tests detect antibodies of these sexually transmitted diseases in bodily fluids.
When to get it?
If you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners or have a new partner; have a history of sexually transmitted infection; use or have used injection drugs; or had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985. Talk with your doctor about your risk for these diseases and how frequently you should be screened.
Obesity Screening
What is it?
Your body mass index (BMI) is a formula that calculates your body fat (and obesity risk) based on your weight and height.
When to get it?
No official recommendation, but the best way to know whether you are overweight or obese is to calculate your BMI, either online or by asking your doctor. Doing so once per calendar year is a good idea.
Tobacco Use Screening
What is it?
Doctors ask patients about their tobacco use and provide interventions for those who use tobacco products.
When to get it?
Screen at every doctor's visit
Ages 65-74
Alcohol Misuse Screening
What is it?
A single- or multiple-question test to assess alcohol use with the goal of helping individuals who drink excessively to reduce their consumption to safer levels
When to get it?
No official recommendation
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
What is it?
AAA is a bulging in the abdominal aorta, the largest artery in your body. This onetime ultrasound test detects abnormalities in the aortic wall.
When to get it?
If you are between the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever smoked
Blood Pressure Screening
What is it?
A test that measures the force of blood flow through your arteries
When to get it?
At least every two years
Cholesterol Screening
What is it?
A blood test that measures cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the "bad" cholesterol; HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the "good" cholesterol; and total cholesterol
When to get it?
Screen at least every five years.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
What is it?
Three methods are recommended for colorectal cancer screening. A colonoscopy uses a camera to check for cancer, polyps, ulcers and other abnormalities in the colon and rectum. A sigmoidoscopy also uses a camera to check for those conditions, but only in the pelvic colon and rectum. Stool sample tests check for blood in the stool.
When to get it?
For all methods, start at age 50 and stop at age 75. For colonoscopy, every 10 years and more often if you have risk factors. For sigmoidoscopy, every 5 years and more often if you have risk factors. For stool sample tests, every year.
Depression Screening
What is it?
A two-question screening that asks: During the past two weeks, have you felt down or hopeless? Have you had little interest in doing things you enjoy?
When to get it?
If, over the last two weeks, you've felt down, hopeless or no longer enjoy activities that used to give you pleasure.
Diabetes Screening
What is it?
The fasting plasma glucose test is a blood test administered after eight hours of fasting and measures blood sugar levels.
When to get it?
Screen once every three years if blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medications for high blood pressure.
HIV/Chlamydia/Syphilis/Gonorrhea Screening
What is it?
Tests detect antibodies of these sexually transmitted diseases in bodily fluids.
When to get it?
If you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners or have a new partner; have a history of sexually transmitted infection; use or have used injection drugs; or had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985. Talk with your doctor about your risk for these diseases and how frequently you should be screened.
Obesity Screening
What is it?
Your body mass index (BMI) is a formula that calculates your body fat (and obesity risk) based on your weight and height.
When to get it?
No official recommendation, but the best way to know whether you are overweight or obese is to calculate your BMI, either online or by asking your doctor. Doing so once per calendar year is a good idea.
Tobacco Use Screening
What is it?
Doctors ask patients about their tobacco use and provide interventions for those who use tobacco products.
When to get it?
Screen at every doctor's visit
Ages 75+
Alcohol Misuse Screening
What is it?
A single- or multiple-question test to assess alcohol use with the goal of helping individuals who drink excessively to reduce their consumption to safer levels
When to get it?
No official recommendation
Blood Pressure Screening
What is it?
A test that measures the force of blood flow through your arteries
When to get it?
At least every two years
Cholesterol Screening
What is it?
A blood test that measures cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the "bad" cholesterol; HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the "good" cholesterol; and total cholesterol
When to get it?
Screen at least every five years.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
What is it?
Three methods are recommended for colorectal cancer screening. A colonoscopy uses a camera to check for cancer, polyps, ulcers and other abnormalities in the colon and rectum. A sigmoidoscopy also uses a camera to check for those conditions, but only in the pelvic colon and rectum. Stool sample tests check for blood in the stool.
When to get it?
For all methods, start at age 50 and stop at age 75. For colonoscopy, every 10 years and more often if you have risk factors. For sigmoidoscopy, every 5 years and more often if you have risk factors. For stool sample tests, every year.
Depression Screening
What is it?
A two-question screening that asks: During the past two weeks, have you felt down or hopeless? Have you had little interest in doing things you enjoy?
When to get it?
If, over the last two weeks, you've felt down, hopeless or no longer enjoy activities that used to give you pleasure.
Diabetes Screening
What is it?
The fasting plasma glucose test is a blood test administered after eight hours of fasting and measures blood sugar levels.
When to get it?
Screen once every three years if blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medications for high blood pressure.
HIV/Chlamydia/Syphilis/Gonorrhea Screening
What is it?
Tests detect antibodies of these sexually transmitted diseases in bodily fluids.
When to get it?
If you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners or have a new partner; have a history of sexually transmitted infection; use or have used injection drugs; or had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985. Talk with your doctor about your risk for these diseases and how frequently you should be screened.
Obesity Screening
What is it?
Your body mass index (BMI) is a formula that calculates your body fat (and obesity risk) based on your weight and height.
When to get it?
No official recommendation, but the best way to know whether you are overweight or obese is to calculate your BMI, either online or by asking your doctor. Doing so once per calendar year is a good idea.
Tobacco Use Screening
What is it?
Doctors ask patients about their tobacco use and provide interventions for those who use tobacco products.
When to get it?
Screen at every doctor's visit
Recommendations for Women (PDF)
Recommendations for Men (PDF)
Sources: USPSTF; AARP The Magazine: "Medical Screenings You Can't Live Without"
Last Updated: Sept. 17, 2010
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