Most preventable deaths from cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes are preceded by a detectable precursor — a raised PSA, a polyp visible on colonoscopy, a blood pressure reading that should have been treated years earlier. Screening catches these precursors before they become crises. The challenge is knowing which test, when.
In your 20s and 30s
- Blood pressure — every 2 years if normal; annually if borderline
- Cholesterol — at least once by age 35 (earlier if family history of heart disease)
- Blood glucose / HbA1c — every 3 years from age 35, or earlier if overweight or family history of diabetes
- Sexually transmitted infections — annually if sexually active with new or multiple partners
- Dental check — every 6–24 months depending on risk
- Skin self-examination — monthly; see a dermatologist if you have a history of sunburn or many moles
- Cervical screening (smear test) — from age 21–25, depending on country guidelines
In your 40s
- Full blood count and metabolic panel — as directed by your GP based on risk factors
- Mammogram — starting at 40–50 depending on guidelines; earlier with family history
- Colonoscopy or alternative bowel screening — consider from age 45
- Eye examination — every 2 years; glaucoma risk increases after 40
- Thyroid function — particularly for women, who are more prone to thyroid disease
From your 50s onward
- Bowel cancer screening — colonoscopy every 10 years, or stool-based tests more frequently
- Lung cancer screening — low-dose CT scan for heavy smokers aged 50–80 in applicable guidelines
- PSA test (men) — discuss with your doctor from age 50; earlier with family history of prostate cancer
- Bone density (DEXA) — from age 65 for women; earlier if risk factors for osteoporosis
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) — one-time ultrasound for men aged 65 who have ever smoked
- Annual flu vaccination — and pneumococcal and shingles vaccines as per local schedule