Personalized by age and sex โ based on guidelines from the USPSTF, ACS, AHA, and CDC. Never miss a life-saving check again.
Track My Screenings in the App โYour 20s are about establishing healthy habits and catching anything early. Most screenings are lighter at this age, but a few are critical.
High blood pressure has no symptoms but is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. Get checked regularly, especially if family history is present.
โ Why: 1 in 4 young adults has elevated BP
A fasting lipid panel checks LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Start early if you have a family history of heart disease.
โ Why: Cardiovascular risk starts accumulating young
Fasting glucose or A1C to screen for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, especially if overweight or inactive.
โ Why: 88 million Americans have prediabetes
HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea screening recommended annually for sexually active adults under 25. Many STIs have zero symptoms.
โ Why: Most common in 15โ24 age group
Self-exam monthly, dermatologist annually โ especially if you've had significant sun exposure or have a family history of skin cancer.
โ Why: Melanoma is top 5 cancer in ages 20โ30
Simple questionnaire (PHQ-9) to identify symptoms of depression. Increasingly recommended for all adults at annual wellness visits.
โ Why: Peak onset of mental health conditions is 20s
Starting at age 21, a Pap smear every 3 years screens for abnormal cervical cells that could become cancerous.
โ Why: Cervical cancer is nearly 100% preventable when caught early
Recommended through age 26. Protects against strains that cause cervical, throat, and other cancers.
โ Why: HPV causes 36,000+ cancers/year in the US
Your 30s often bring lifestyle changes and added stress. Key screenings ramp up, especially for metabolic and cardiovascular risk.
Annual checks become more important. If elevated, your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring or lifestyle changes.
โ Why: Hypertension risk rises sharply in 30s
Full lipid panel. If LDL is borderline or you have other risk factors, your doctor may suggest annual testing.
โ Why: Early intervention prevents decades of risk
A1C or fasting glucose โ annually if you're overweight, sedentary, or have a family history of diabetes.
โ Why: Type 2 diabetes onset increasingly common in 30s
Especially for women โ thyroid disorders affect energy, metabolism, mood, and fertility. Often missed for years.
โ Why: Affects 20 million Americans, often undiagnosed
Comprehensive eye exam including glaucoma pressure check. More often if you wear glasses or have diabetes.
โ Why: Early glaucoma has no symptoms
Oral health is linked to heart disease and diabetes. Regular cleanings and X-rays catch issues early.
โ Why: Gum disease linked to cardiovascular risk
Starting at 30, a combined Pap smear and HPV test every 5 years (or Pap alone every 3 years).
โ Why: HPV co-testing catches more risk earlier
Monthly self-exams to notice any changes. Know your normal. Report lumps, discharge, or skin changes immediately.
โ Why: Early detection saves lives
Your 40s are when major screenings kick in. This is your most important decade for catching things before they become serious.
Annual check is essential. Hypertension becomes very common in the 40s and is a major driver of heart attack and stroke.
โ Why: #1 risk factor for cardiovascular disease
Comprehensive blood work: cholesterol, glucose, kidney function, liver enzymes, electrolytes. The full picture of metabolic health.
โ Why: Metabolic dysfunction peaks in 40s
Annual A1C or fasting glucose. Risk increases significantly with age โ catch prediabetes before it becomes diabetes.
โ Why: Diabetes doubles after age 45
Annual full-body dermatology exam. Risk of skin cancer increases with cumulative UV exposure over your lifetime.
โ Why: 1 in 5 Americans will get skin cancer
Baseline electrocardiogram to detect rhythm abnormalities. Especially important if you have a family history of heart disease.
โ Why: Atrial fibrillation risk starts rising at 40
Comprehensive dilated eye exam. Risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and AMD (age-related macular degeneration) starts increasing.
โ Why: Glaucoma affects 3 million Americans
Annual mammograms starting at 40 per ACS guidelines. Earlier if family history of breast cancer (discuss BRCA testing).
โ Why: Breast cancer most common cancer in women
Bone density scan if you have risk factors for osteoporosis โ low estrogen, smoking, low calcium intake, family history.
โ Why: Bone loss begins in 40s, especially pre-menopause
FSH, estrogen, progesterone levels if experiencing irregular periods, hot flashes, mood changes, or sleep disruption.
โ Why: Perimenopause begins average age 47
Low T affects energy, mood, libido, and muscle mass. Testing recommended if you experience fatigue, low drive, or weight gain.
โ Why: Testosterone drops ~1%/year after 30
PSA blood test and discussion about prostate screening starting at 40โ45, especially for Black men or those with family history.
โ Why: Earlier discussion for high-risk groups
The 50s are when the most life-saving screenings begin. Colonoscopies, lung cancer scans, and bone density checks can literally save your life.
The gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. Starting at 45โ50, a colonoscopy every 10 years (or stool test every 1โ3 years).
โ Why: Colorectal cancer is #2 cancer killer โ but 90% preventable
Low-dose CT scan recommended for adults 50โ80 with a 20+ pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within 15 years.
โ Why: Catches lung cancer before symptoms appear
10-year cardiovascular risk calculation using cholesterol, BP, age, and lifestyle factors. Guides statin therapy decisions.
โ Why: Heart disease is #1 killer in the US
Shingrix vaccine (2-dose series) recommended at 50. Shingles causes severe nerve pain and can lead to long-term complications.
โ Why: 1 in 3 people will get shingles in their lifetime
Baseline hearing test at 50. Hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and social isolation โ early intervention matters.
โ Why: 30% of adults over 65 have hearing loss
One-time ultrasound for men 65โ75 who have ever smoked. AAAs rarely cause symptoms until they rupture.
โ Why: Often fatal if undetected
After menopause, estrogen loss accelerates bone loss. DEXA scan measures bone mineral density and fracture risk.
โ Why: 50% of women will have an osteoporosis fracture
Continue annual mammograms. 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) increasingly recommended for denser breast tissue.
โ Why: Breast cancer risk peaks in post-menopausal women
PSA blood test and digital rectal exam discussion at 50 (45 for Black men or those with family history).
โ Why: Prostate cancer is #2 cancer in men
In your 60s and 70s, consistent monitoring is everything. Regular screenings, vaccines, and cognitive health checks keep you living fully and independently.
Annual cognitive screening (Mini-Cog or MMSE) at wellness visits. Early detection of mild cognitive impairment opens more treatment options.
โ Why: 1 in 9 people 65+ has Alzheimer's
Balance tests, medication review, vision, and home safety evaluation. Falls are the #1 cause of injury-related death in older adults.
โ Why: 36 million falls occur in older adults each year
Full blood work including kidney function (creatinine, GFR), liver, electrolytes, glucose, and CBC. Baseline for overall organ health.
โ Why: Kidney disease and anemia increase with age
Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV20 or PPSV23) at age 65. Protects against bacterial pneumonia, which is far more dangerous in older adults.
โ Why: Pneumonia is a leading cause of death over 65
Continue colonoscopies through age 75. After 75, discuss with your doctor whether to continue based on your health status.
โ Why: Colorectal cancer risk highest over 65
TSH and T4 levels. Thyroid dysfunction becomes more common with age and can mimic symptoms of aging (fatigue, weight changes, memory issues).
โ Why: Hypothyroidism affects up to 20% of older women
Continue annual mammograms through 75. After that, discuss with your doctor based on overall health and life expectancy.
โ Why: Breast cancer incidence highest post-65
Continue DEXA scans to monitor bone density. Medication (bisphosphonates) may be recommended if density is low.
โ Why: Hip fractures are life-altering in older women
One-time ultrasound for men 65โ75 who have ever smoked. Detects a silent, potentially fatal bulge in the main artery.
โ Why: Often symptom-free until rupture
Continue PSA discussions through age 70. After 70, screening is generally not recommended unless high risk.
โ Why: Prostate cancer most common in men over 65
Enter your age and health history โ KnowWell builds your personalized screening calendar and reminds you before each one is due.
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