Health Screenings Adults Should Not Skip

High blood pressure (hypertension) rarely causes noticeable symptoms, yet it raises the risk of heart attack and stroke substantially. The USPSTF recommends screening for hypertension in adults 18 and older. Readings can be taken in a clinic, at a pharmacy kiosk, or with a home monitor, though clinic measurements remain the standard for diagnosis.

Blood pressure screening takes about a minute and costs nothing at most annual visits. If readings are consistently elevated, a provider may recommend lifestyle changes or medication, both of which are far less disruptive than managing a stroke after the fact.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when caught early, yet it remains a leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The USPSTF recommends that adults begin screening at age 45 and continue through age 75. Several testing options exist, from stool-based tests done at home to colonoscopy performed in a clinical setting. Each option has different intervals and levels of invasiveness.

People with a family history of colorectal cancer or certain genetic conditions may need to start screening earlier. A provider can help determine the right approach given individual circumstances.

Cervical cancer screening is recommended for women starting at age 21. A Pap smear (Papanicolaou test) checks for abnormal cervical cells, while HPV testing looks for the human papillomavirus strains most associated with cervical cancer. For adults between 21 and 65, guidelines generally recommend a Pap smear every three years, or a combination Pap and HPV test every five years between ages 30 and 65.

Most abnormal results do not mean cancer is present; they indicate cells that need monitoring or further evaluation. Early detection through routine screening has reduced cervical cancer rates substantially over decades.

Type 2 diabetes develops gradually and can go undiagnosed for years. The USPSTF recommends screening adults aged 35 to 70 who are overweight or have obesity. A fasting blood glucose test or hemoglobin A1c test, both simple blood draws, are the standard screening methods. Adults outside that age range or weight category may still benefit from screening depending on risk factors such as family history or high blood pressure.

Catching prediabetes or early-stage diabetes gives people the opportunity to make changes, often through diet and physical activity, that can slow or prevent progression. Consult a healthcare provider about your specific risk profile.

Abnormal cholesterol levels contribute to arterial plaque buildup, which raises the risk of heart disease and stroke over time. Many adults will have no symptoms until a cardiac event occurs. A lipid panel measures LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and total cholesterol through a blood draw, typically done after fasting.

Guidelines vary somewhat by age and sex, but many providers recommend starting cholesterol checks in the mid-20s or at the latest by age 35 for men and 45 for women, and more frequently after that for those with elevated risk. Talk with a provider about your personal history and how often testing makes sense for you.

Low-dose CT (computed tomography) scans are recommended by the USPSTF for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a significant smoking history, defined as 20 pack-years or more, and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and early detection substantially improves outcomes.

This screening is more targeted than others because the benefit is greatest for those at elevated risk. Adults who do not meet the criteria may not need it, which is another reason a provider conversation matters when building a personal screening plan.

Osteoporosis weakens bones silently, making fractures more likely from minor falls. The USPSTF recommends bone density screening (using a DEXA scan) for women aged 65 and older. Younger postmenopausal women whose fracture risk equals or exceeds that of a 65-year-old with no additional risk factors may also benefit from earlier screening.

Men are generally screened less frequently, though those with specific risk factors (prolonged steroid use, low body weight, certain medical conditions) may need evaluation sooner. A fracture later in life can carry serious health and financial consequences, making prevention-focused monitoring worthwhile for those in higher-risk groups.