The best medicine is the kind that prevents. Many serious problems — from high blood pressure to cancer — develop silently, without symptoms, in their earliest and most treatable stages. Preventive checks exist for exactly this reason: to detect early something that has not yet declared itself. Needs differ according to sex, age and personal or family history. Below is a general, educational guide — with one key note: the exact ages and frequency vary by country and are always individualised by your doctor.

Checks that apply to everyone

  • Blood pressure: regular checks from adulthood; usually yearly from age 40, or earlier if there is increased risk.
  • Cholesterol and lipids: checked from about 20–35 (earlier with risk factors), usually every 5 years or so, as part of cardiovascular risk assessment.
  • Glucose / diabetes: screening usually from about 35, or earlier with overweight and other risk factors.
  • Colorectal cancer: now starts at 45 for average-risk individuals (colonoscopy or stool-based tests), and earlier with a family history. It is one of the most effective checks, as it can even prevent cancer by removing polyps before they progress.
  • Body weight, smoking, alcohol: regular assessment and discussion at every age.
  • Skin: attention to new or changing moles; dermatology review where needed.

Additional checks for women

  • Cervix: a Pap test from age 21 and HPV testing from about 25–30, at regular intervals.
  • Breast: mammography now starting at 40 for average risk, usually every two years (earlier or more often with a history).
  • Bone density: a DEXA scan from age 65, or earlier with risk factors for osteoporosis.

Additional checks for men

  • Prostate (PSA): there is no "automatic" recommendation for everyone. A shared decision with your doctor about the pros and cons is advised, mainly between ages 55 and 69 (earlier, around 45, with a family history or higher risk).
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm: a one-time ultrasound for men aged 65–75 who have ever smoked.

Lung cancer — for smokers

Men and women with a significant smoking history (about 20 "pack-years"), aged 50–80, who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years or so, benefit from a yearly low-dose CT scan (LDCT) for early detection.

A quick guide by decade

  • 20–30: blood pressure, baseline lipids/glucose with risk factors, cervical screening (women), skin, lifestyle.
  • 30–40: all of the above, more regularly; glucose and lipid checks.
  • 40–50: mammography (women), start colorectal screening at 45, cardiovascular assessment.
  • 50–60: continue colorectal screening, PSA discussion (men), LDCT for smokers.
  • 60+: bone density (women 65+), aortic ultrasound (men 65–75 who smoked), continuation of the rest.

This guide is informational and does not replace individualised medical advice. Your doctor will tailor the screening plan to your own history, risk factors and the screening programmes in force.

Why get screened if I feel well?

Because many serious conditions — high blood pressure, diabetes, early cancer — cause no symptoms at first. Screening detects them when they are easier and more effective to treat.

At what age does colorectal screening start?

For average-risk individuals, screening now starts at 45. With a family history or symptoms, it starts earlier — discuss this with your doctor.

When does mammography start?

For average risk, the recommendation has been updated to start at 40, usually every two years. With a family or personal history it may start earlier or be done more often.

Do all men need a PSA test?

Not automatically. A benefit–risk discussion with your doctor is recommended, mainly between ages 55 and 69, and earlier (around 45) for those with a family history or higher risk.

Do these ages apply everywhere?

They are indicative and based on international recommendations. Exact ages and organised programmes vary by country; your doctor will tailor the plan to your own history.