Ages 18-29
Physical Exam
At least every 5 years, or as your doctor recommends.
Eye Exam
Once between ages 20 and 29.
Pap Smear (women)
Once a year for sexually active women.
Cholesterol Test
This one is needed now if you smoke, are obese, or have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of heart disease.
Ages 30-39
Physical Exam
Every 3 to 5 years, or as your doctor recommends.
Eye Exam
Once between ages 30 and 39.
Pelvic Exam (women)
Once a year.
Pap Smear (women)
Once a year for sexually active women.
Cholesterol Test
Every 5 years if your last test was normal.
Ages 40-49
Physical Exam
Every 1 or 2 years, or as your doctor recommends.
Eye Exam
Every 2 to 4 years.
Cholesterol Test
Every 5 years if your last test was normal.
Mammogram (women)
Baseline at age 40, then every 1 or 2 years.
Prostate Exam (men)
Age 45 for all African-American men and for white men with a family history of prostate trouble.
Bone Density Test
As you approach menopause (women); all women and men who are at risk for osteoporosis.
Pelvic Exam (women)
Once a year.
Pap Smear (women)
Once a year for sexually active women.
Ages 50 and Older
Physical Exam
Every 1 or 2 years, or as your doctor recommends.
Cholesterol Test
Every 5 years if your last test was normal.
Mammogram (women)
Once a year.
Pap Smear (women)
Once a year for sexually active women. After age 70, women who have had 3 normal pap smears in a row or no abnormal results in 10 years, no longer need this test.
Rectal Exam
Once a year.
Fecal Occult Blood Test
Once a year.
Sigmoidoscopy
Every 5 years.
Colonoscopy
Every 10 years.
Prostate Exam
Once a year.
Bone Density Test
Women at or approaching menopause, all women over 65, men who are at risk for osteoporosis.
Baseline Audiogram
At age 60.
Skin Cancer Screening
Every 1 to 2 years.