Your Health at Every Age

The screenings you need change as you get older. Discover recommending screenings from your 20s through your 70s then talk to your healthcare provider about what's right for you.

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Why preventive screenings matter at every age

Preventative screenings help catch health conditions early, often before obvious symptoms arise. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and several cancers can develop quietly for years and are typically more treatable when caught early.

Which screenings you need depends on your age, personal and family health history, as well as other risk factors. Understanding which health screenings you need and when to get them can help you stay proactive, catch concerns early and get the care you need at the right time. The lists below show what is generally recommended by decade. They are a starting point for a conversation with your provider, not a substitute for one. 

Health screenings are typically ordered at your annual wellness visit with a primary care provider. If you do not have one yet, that is your first step!

MercyOne offers free online health risk assessments. Each takes a few minutes and provides you with information to discuss with your provider. None of them replace a screening or a clinical evaluation.

Almost all preventative screenings and vaccinations start with your annual wellness visit. At this appointment, your provider will review your history, check your vitals and help you decide which screenings are right for you.

  1. Book your annual wellness visit

    Schedule online or call a MercyOne primary care location to schedule your wellness visit.

  2. Bring your health history

    To your wellness visit, bring a list of your medications, past test dates, and any family history of cancer, heart disease, diabetes or stroke in close relatives. Family history changes when several screenings should start.

  3. Determine screenings

    You and your provider will work through which screenings are right for you based on your age and risk factors. Then your provider will order your recommended screenings.

  4. Complete recommended screenings

    Lab work, imaging and procedures are scheduled through the closest applicable MercyOne location, and your results will come back to the provider who ordered them.

Preventive screenings are performed at MercyOne labs, imaging and care locations. Your primary care provider will order your tests and the results return to your care team. 

Many preventive services are covered by health plans, but coverage depends on your plan and on whether a visit becomes diagnostic. Confirm with your insurance company before your appointment.

Health Screenings for Women by Age

Recommended exams, screenings and immunizations for women, grouped by decade and by how often each one is generally done. Your provider will adjust this list based on your health history and risk factors.

women in your 20s and 30s

Women's health screenings - 20s and 30s

Your 20s and 30s are an important time to build a strong foundation for lifelong health. Regular preventive care can help identify risk factors early, support reproductive health, monitor physical and mental well-being, and establish healthy habits that can reduce the risk of chronic disease later in life.

Exams, screenings and immunizations

One time only 

Every year 

Every 10 years

  • Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster

Discuss with your healthcare provider

women in your 40s

Women's health screenings - 40s

As women enter their 40s, preventive screenings become increasingly important for detecting conditions such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Staying current on recommended screenings can help identify health concerns early and support long-term wellness through midlife and beyond.

Appointments, screenings and immunizations

One time only 

Every year 

Every 10 years

Discuss with your healthcare provider

Women in your 50s

Women's health screenings - 50s

The 50s are a critical decade for maintaining preventive health and staying up to date on recommended screenings. Regular evaluations for breast health, colorectal health, heart disease, diabetes and lung health can help detect concerns early, allowing for more effective treatment and better long-term outcomes.

Appointments, screenings and immunizations

One time only 

Two doses 

  • Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine

Every year

Every 10 years

  • Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster

Discuss with your healthcare provider

woman in her 60s or 70s

Women's health screenings - 60s and 70s

For women in their 60s and 70s, routine screenings play a vital role in promoting healthy aging, independence and quality of life. Regular monitoring for osteoporosis, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other age-related conditions can help address concerns early and support overall well-being.

Appointments, screenings and immunizations

One time only 

Two doses 

  • Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine

Every six months

  • Dental exam

Every year

Every 10 years

  • Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster

Discuss with your healthcare provider

Health Screenings for Men by Age

Recommended exams, screenings and immunizations for women, grouped by decade and by how often each one is generally done. Your provider will adjust this list based on your health history and risk factors.

man in his 20s or 30s

Men's health screenings - 20s and 30s

Your 20s and 30s are key decades for building healthy habits and establishing a baseline for lifelong wellness. While many young men feel healthy and may not think much about preventive care, routine health screenings can help identify potential issues early, monitor important health indicators, and support long-term physical and mental well-being.

Exams, screenings and immunizations

One time only 

Every six months

  • Dental exam

Every year 

Every 10 years

  • Tetanus-diphtheria booster

Discuss with your healthcare provider

men in your 40s

Men's health screenings - 40s

As men enter their 40s, the risk for certain chronic health conditions begins to increase, making preventive care more important than ever. Regular health screenings can help detect issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and certain cancers before symptoms appear. Staying proactive with routine checkups allows men to better manage their health, reduce risk factors and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle for years to come.

Appointments, screenings and immunizations

One time only 

Every six months

  • Dental exam

Every year 

Every 10 years

  • Tetanus-diphtheria booster
  • Colorectal health (discuss which screening is best for you)

Discuss with your healthcare provider

men in your 50s

Men's health screenings - 50s

The 50s are an important time for men to prioritize preventive health and stay current on recommended screenings. At this stage of life, screenings for colorectal cancer, heart disease, diabetes and prostate health become increasingly important. Regular monitoring and early detection can lead to better treatment outcomes, helping men maintain their quality of life and continue enjoying the activities and relationships that matter most.

Appointments, screenings and immunizations

One time only 

Two doses

  • Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine

Every six months

  • Dental exam

Every year 

Every 10 years

  • Tetanus-diphtheria booster

Discuss with your healthcare provider

man in his 60s or 70s

Men's health screenings - 60s and 70s

For men in their 60s and 70s, routine health screenings play a vital role in supporting healthy aging and independence. Regular evaluations can help identify conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. By working closely with their primary care provider and staying up to date on preventive care, older men can address potential health concerns early and take steps to preserve their overall well-being and quality of life.

Appointments, screenings and immunizations

One time only 

Two doses

Every six months

  • Dental exam

Every year 

Every 10 years

  • Tetanus-diphtheria booster

Discuss with your healthcare provider

Female doctor speaking with patient

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Medically reviewed by Joseph McGargill, MD · Last reviewed Aug. 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

A preventive screening is a test or exam done before you have symptoms, to look for a condition early while it’s easier to treat. Screenings are different from diagnostic tests, which are ordered to investigate a symptom you already have. Which screenings apply to you depends on your age, your sex, your personal and family health history and your risk factors.

Recommended screenings change by decade. The lists on this page show what is generally recommended for each decade, but your provider will help you determine which screenings are right for you.

Most preventive screenings are ordered by your primary care provider during a routine visit, so a separate referral is usually not needed. Some tests, such as a screening mammogram, can often be scheduled directly. Requirements can differ by insurance plan and by location, so confirm with your care location when you schedule.

Many preventive services are covered by health plans, but coverage will depend on your specific plan, the reason for the test and whether the visit becomes diagnostic. Contact your insurance company before your appointment to confirm what is covered and what you may owe.

Your provider reviews your health history, current medications and any chronic conditions, checks your vital signs, and talks with you about sleep, mental health, diet, activity and other risk factors. Together you decide which screenings and immunizations make sense for you now and which can wait. Many of the screenings listed on this page are ordered during this visit.

Most adults benefit from a wellness visit once a year, even when they feel well. If you are managing an ongoing condition, your provider may want to see you more often.

You can schedule a primary care appointment online or find a MercyOne primary care provider near you and call the location directly. 

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