Learn what providers consider when recommending preventive screenings
You know you’re supposed to get regular health screenings, but which ones and when?
Search online and you’ll find plenty of different answers. One website says to start a screening at 40. Another says 45. Your friend tells you they didn’t need one until 50.
So, how do you know what’s actually recommended for you?
The answer depends on more than your age. Your family history, personal health history, risk factors, previous screening results and other factors can all influence when you should be screened.
We asked a Beacon Health System provider to react to some of the most common questions about preventive screenings and what you should know at different stages of life.
Amy Juodawlkis, PA-C
“Preventive care is one of the most important reasons to have a primary care provider,” said Beacon Kalamazoo Internal Medicine Portage internal medicine physician assistant Amy Juodawlkis. “We can look at your age, family history, health history and risk factors and help determine which screenings are appropriate for you. It’s not about checking every box on a generic list — it’s about making sure you’re getting the right care at the right time.”
Your 20s and 30s: Build a foundation for your health
Your 20s and 30s may feel too early to worry about things like heart disease or cancer screenings. But preventive care isn’t just about looking for disease.
It’s also an opportunity to establish a baseline for your health and identify risk factors early.
Depending on your individual health history, your primary care provider may discuss:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol and cardiovascular risk
- Blood sugar or diabetes risk
- Mental health
- Immunizations
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Tobacco, alcohol and substance use
- Skin health and cancer risk
- Family history and inherited risk factors
Some screenings may be recommended based on your individual risk rather than your age alone.
For example, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening adults ages 18 and older for high blood pressure and recommends screening adults ages 35 to 70 who have overweight or obesity for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
“I sometimes hear younger adults say, ‘I’m healthy, so I don’t really need a checkup.’ But preventive care isn’t only about finding something wrong,” Amy explained. “It’s about knowing your numbers, understanding your risks and having a plan for staying healthy.”
Your 40s: Don’t ignore the numbers
Your 40s can be an important time to pay attention to cardiovascular health, metabolic health and cancer screenings.
Your provider may recommend monitoring:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Blood sugar
- Weight and other metabolic health measures
- Mental health
- Immunizations
- Cancer screenings appropriate for your age and risk
This is also the age when family history can become particularly important.
If a parent, sibling or child has had certain types of cancer or other significant health conditions, your provider may recommend starting certain screenings earlier or screening more frequently.
What about colon cancer screening?
For adults at average risk, the USPSTF recommends colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 and continuing through age 75. There are several screening options, including stool-based tests and visual examinations such as colonoscopy.
The right option depends on your health history, preferences and your provider’s recommendation.
“One of the biggest things I want patients to understand is that feeling healthy doesn’t mean you don’t need screening,” Amy said. “Some conditions don’t cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Screening gives us an opportunity to identify certain problems before they become more difficult to manage.”
Your 50s: Keep up with preventive care
By your 50s, staying current with recommended screenings becomes increasingly important.
Depending on your individual risk factors, your Beacon healthcare provider may discuss:
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Breast cancer screening
- Cervical cancer screening
- Prostate cancer screening
- Lung cancer screening for eligible adults with a significant smoking history
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Bone health
- Immunizations
Not everyone needs every screening.
For example, the USPSTF recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose CT for adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year or greater smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
That’s why simply searching “screenings for people in their 50s” isn’t enough.
Your provider can help determine whether you meet the criteria for specific screenings.
Your 60s and beyond: Prevention doesn’t stop
Preventive care continues throughout adulthood.
As you get older, your healthcare provider may pay particular attention to:
- Cancer screenings
- Cardiovascular health
- Diabetes
- Bone health and fracture risk
- Vision and hearing
- Fall risk
- Cognitive health
- Immunizations
- Medication management
- Mental health
- Maintaining strength and mobility
Some screenings may become less beneficial as you get older, while others become more important.
For example, the USPSTF recommends screening women ages 65 and older for osteoporosis to help prevent fractures.
The key is to continue having conversations with your healthcare provider rather than assuming preventive care has an expiration date.
“As we get older, preventive care becomes more individualized,” Amy said. “We look at your overall health, your medications, your mobility, your family history and your personal goals. The conversation isn’t just about how old you are — it’s about how you’re doing and what matters to you.”
What social media gets right — and wrong
Social media has made preventive health more visible, and that’s a good thing.
You may see reminders to get your blood pressure checked, learn your cholesterol numbers or schedule recommended cancer screenings. Those conversations can encourage people to pay more attention to their health.
But there’s a problem when a general recommendation is treated as a universal rule.
“Everyone needs this test at 40.”
“You don’t need this screening until 50.”
“If you don’t have symptoms, you don’t need to be screened.”
Those statements may not apply to everyone.
Your personal risk factors can change when screening should begin, how often it should happen and which tests are appropriate.
Your family history matters
If a close family member has had cancer, heart disease, diabetes or another significant health condition, tell your primary care provider.
Family history can help your provider identify whether you may need additional monitoring or earlier screening.
And don’t assume your provider already knows your family’s medical history.
If you’re not sure about your family’s history, ask relatives what conditions have affected parents, siblings, grandparents and other close family members.
What patients should consider
Instead of trying to keep track of every screening recommendation yourself, make preventive care part of your primary care visits.
Before your next appointment, consider asking:
- Which screenings are recommended for someone my age?
- Am I due for any cancer screenings?
- Do I have risk factors that mean I should start a screening earlier?
- Are there screenings I no longer need?
- What vaccines or immunizations should I have?
- Which health numbers should I be monitoring?
- Does my family history change any of your recommendations?
- When should I come back for my next preventive visit?
And if you’ve fallen behind, don’t be embarrassed.
“Patients sometimes avoid making an appointment because they know they’re overdue for something — please don’t let that stop you,” Amy said. “We would much rather help you get caught up than have you continue putting off your care because you feel like you’re behind.”
The bottom line
There isn’t one universal preventive screening schedule that applies to everyone.
Your age is an important starting point, but your family history, personal health history, risk factors and previous screening results all help determine what preventive care you need.
The best way to stay on track is to have an ongoing relationship with a primary care provider who knows your health history and can help you understand which screenings are appropriate for you.
Not sure if you’re up to date on your preventive care? Schedule an appointment with a Beacon Health System primary care provider. Together, you can create a screening plan that’s right for you.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Screening recommendations can vary based on individual health history and risk factors. Talk with your healthcare provider about which screenings are appropriate for you.
