The recommended healthcare preventive screening guidelines are constantly changing, and it can be difficult to stay up to date on these recommendations each year. Below is a list of the common screening recommendations based on age and gender assigned at birth. However, keep in mind that individual health needs vary and screening recommendations also vary based on risk factors, so it’s very important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice as the below information* is only a general guideline.
Screening Recommendations for Females
21-39 Years
| Cervical Cancer |
Ages 21-24: every 3 years | Ages 25-39: every 3 to 5 years |
| Colorectal Cancer |
Begin if increased risk |
| Hyperlipidemia |
Screen initially at age 20, then resume no later than age 40 |
| Hypertension |
Every 2 years |
40-49 Years
| Cervical Cancer |
Every 3 to 5 years |
| Colorectal Cancer |
If age <45 and increased risk, begin screening
If average risk, consider beginning screening at age 45 |
| Hyperlipidemia |
Every 4 to 6 years |
| Hypertension |
Every year |
| Breast Cancer |
Every year |
50-64 Years
| Cervical Cancer |
Every 3 to 5 years |
| Colorectal Cancer |
Continue average-risk screening |
| Hyperlipidemia |
Every 4 to 6 years |
| Hypertension |
Every year |
| Breast Cancer |
Every year |
65 and over
| Cervical Cancer |
No screening after age 65 if adequate negative prior screening and not at high risk |
| Colorectal Cancer |
Ages 65 to 75: continue screening
Ages 76 to 85 years: potentially continue screening |
| Hyperlipidemia |
Every 4 to 6 years |
| Hypertension |
Every year |
| Breast Cancer |
Ages 65 to 75: Every year |
Screening Recommendations for Males
18-39 Years
| Colorectal Cancer |
Begin if at increased risk |
| Hyperlipidemia |
Screen initially at age 20, then resume no later than age 40 |
| Hypertension |
Every 2 years |
40-49 Years
| Colorectal Cancer |
If age <45, consider if increased risk
Consider beginning screening of average-risk patients at age 45 |
| Hyperlipidemia |
Every 4 to 6 years |
| Hypertension |
Every year |
50-64 Years
| Colorectal Cancer |
Continue average-risk screening |
| Hyperlipidemia |
Every 4 to 6 years |
| Hypertension |
Every year |
| Prostate Cancer |
Shared decision-making with your physician |
65 and older
| Colorectal Cancer |
Ages 65 to 75 years: continue screening
Ages 76 to 85 years: potentially continue screening |
| Hyperlipidemia |
Ages 65 to 75 years: consider every 4 to 6 years |
| Hypertension |
Every year |
| Prostate Cancer |
Shared decision-making with your physician |
| Abdominal aortic aneurysm |
If smoking history, one-time screen between ages 65 and 75 |
*These screening recommendations are provided by the Mayo clinic, and are driven by Mayo Clinic consensus and incorporate, but do not exactly replicate, screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and other organizations.
