Screen Time: Keep Tabs on Your Health

Staying up to date with recommended health screenings at every age is a powerful way to take ownership of your health.

“During these appointments, we can find medical conditions in their earliest stages when they are easiest to treat,” said Stephen Rubendall, Jr., MD, family medicine physician at Medical Group of Mitchell County. “We can also detect your likelihood for developing preventable conditions so you can take steps to reduce your risk.”

In Your 20s and 30s

• Blood Pressure – At least once every two years, starting at age 20
• Cervical cancer – Starting at age 25 and taking place every three to five years, depending on the test
• Diabetes – Recommended if you have high risk factors, such as high blood pressure or a body mass index (BMI) over 25 (23 for Asian Americans)
• Gonorrhea and chlamydia – Up to age 25 if you are sexually active
• Skin cancer – Once every three years, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS)

In Your 40s and 50s

• Blood pressure, cholesterol and heart health – Continuing regularly
• Breast cancer – Every year starting at age 45 for women of average risk; continue annual mammograms if you started earlier
• Cervical cancer – Continuing as recommended; you have the option to stop having Pap tests at age 65 if you have had three normal tests within the last decade
• Cholesterol – Every year starting at age 45
• Colorectal cancer – Regular screenings starting at age 45, if you are of average risk, according to the ACS; how often you’re screened will depend on the tests you choose
• Diabetes – Regular screening every three years
• Lung cancer – Every year if you are age 55-80, currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, and have a 30-pack history
• Osteoporosis – Bone density test (DEXA scan) at age 64 or older as recommended by your doctor
• Skin cancer – Once a year, according to the ACS

In Your 70s and 80s

• Blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and heart health – Continue these regularly
• Breast cancer – Continue annual screenings until age 75
• Colorectal cancer – Continue annual screenings until 75
• Skin cancer – Once a year, according to the ACS

Your primary care provider can offer detailed guidance about your screening schedule. Find a provider at archbold.org/providers.