Preventive Screenings by Age: What's Actually Recommended
USPSTF guidelines distilled into an age-banded checklist — and what to push back on at the visit.
9 min read
Most preventive screening recommendations in the U.S. come from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). They are evidence-graded and updated regularly.
20s–30s: blood pressure every 1–2 years, cervical cancer screening per current intervals, lipid screening at risk, immunizations including HPV catch-up where indicated, depression screening.
40s: add mammography per current guidance (now starting at 40 in most updates), continue lipid and BP, diabetes screening at risk, colorectal cancer screening starting at 45.
50s–60s: lung cancer screening (LDCT) for eligible smokers, AAA screening for men with smoking history, osteoporosis screening for women starting at 65 (earlier with risk factors), shingles vaccine.
70s+: continue most cancer screenings with shared decision-making, fall risk assessment, hearing and vision checks, comprehensive medication review.
Skip 'executive physical' panels with no evidence base. Stick to the guideline-recommended set and bring questions to the visit.