# Health Screenings by Decade: What Tests You Need at Every Age

**By VitalPath Editorial | June 27, 2026**

**Meta Description:** Preventive health screenings save lives by detecting disease early. This decade-by-decade guide covers the essential health screenings for adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond.

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## Introduction
Preventive health screenings detect disease before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective. Yet fewer than 25% of US adults are up-to-date on all recommended screenings. This guide organizes evidence-based screening recommendations by decade of life.

## In Your 20s and 30s
– Blood pressure: Every 1-2 years (annually if elevated)
– Cholesterol panel: Every 4-6 years starting at age 20
– Cervical cancer screening: Pap smear every 3 years starting at 21; HPV co-testing every 5 years starting at 30
– STI screening: Annually if sexually active with new/multiple partners
– Skin cancer screening: Annual self-exam; professional exam if high-risk
– Dental exam: Every 6-12 months
– Eye exam: Every 2 years (annually if vision corrected)
– Mental health screening: Depression screening at routine visits
– Immunizations: Influenza annually, Tdap booster, HPV through 26

## In Your 40s
All of the above, plus:
– Colorectal cancer screening: Start at 45 (colonoscopy every 10 years or stool-based test every 1-3 years)
– Mammography: Start at 40-45 (discuss timing with physician); every 1-2 years
– Diabetes screening: Every 3 years starting at 45 (earlier if risk factors); HbA1c or fasting glucose
– Prostate cancer screening: Discuss with physician at 45 if high-risk (African American, family history)

## In Your 50s
All of the above, plus:
– Lung cancer screening: Annual low-dose CT for ages 50-80 with 20 pack-year smoking history (current or quit within 15 years)
– Shingles vaccine: Two-dose Shingrix starting at 50

## In Your 60s and Beyond
All of the above, plus:
– Osteoporosis screening: DXA bone density scan starting at 65 (earlier if risk factors); women primarily, men with risk factors
– Abdominal aortic aneurysm: One-time ultrasound for men 65-75 with smoking history
– Pneumococcal vaccine: Starting at 65
– Fall risk assessment: Annually
– Cognitive impairment screening: Annually at Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
– Hearing and vision: Annually

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