Guide to Annual Health Screenings by Age

3 min readOct 12, 2020

18 to 39 Years Old

This annual screening would typically include:

Weight and Height: Annually
Blood Pressure: Annually
Cholesterol Check: Annually if there are known risk factors, otherwise every five years.
Skin Screening: For lesions or moles that look suspicious.
Historical Illness Screenings: For known family medical issues such as heart conditions, diabetes, and cancer.
Diabetes Screening: Annually if there are known risk factors, otherwise bi-annually if BMI is greater than 25 or other lifestyle factors are present.
Immunizations
Depression Screening
Blood Work is done annually and may include:
HDL and LDL cholesterol
Complete Blood Count
Basic or Complete Metabolic Panel
Thyroid Panel
Liver Enzyme Markers
Sexually Transmitted Disease Tests
Plasma Glucose

Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap smears every 3 years.
The HPV vaccine: If not received as an adolescent
Breast Exam: A self-exam should be performed by you at home monthly and by clinical provider yearly.
Sexually Transmitted Infections: Depending on lifestyle or patient request. May include HIV, HPV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea or other infections.

Additional health screenings, tests, and vaccines that could be done in this age bracket include:

Shingles Vaccine: Two doses separated by 2 to 6 months given at age 50 and up.
Flu Shot: Annually
Colorectal Screening: Age 50 and up unless other risk factors are present.
Colonoscopy: May be needed based on medical history.
Osteoporosis Screening: Age 50 and up with risk factors.
Lung Cancer Screening: Annually if a past smoker. According to the American Lung Association adults, age 55 years and up, can have this screening covered by their insurance.
Depression Screening: Mental health assessment

Annual Blood Work: Continue annual exams as established in earlier years.
Mammogram: Annually or Bi-annually based on your risk factors.
Pelvic Exam: Physical exam and Pap smear every 3 years or more frequently based on history and risk factors.

All the previous yearly tests will continue with these additions:

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Baseline test if not done previously and continued tests based on baseline results.
Height and Weight: Although this is a screening performed every year, as you age height becomes more important as shrinking height could be a sign of osteoporosis.
Fall Prevention Screening: Baseline and then as needed.
Depression Screening: Mental health assessment
High Dose Flu Vaccine: Fluzone High-Dose is only available to adults 65 years old and older according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cervical Cancer Screening: Most women can stop having Pap smears if they have no history of cervical cancer. If a hysterectomy has taken place then no pelvic exam may be necessary.
Osteoporosis Screening: Women are at higher risk for osteoporosis and will be screened more regularly at this age. (Baseline at 65 years old, if not already established, and additional screening based on the results)