Scheduling preventative health screenings as part of your 2025 plan
By Kristen West
As the new year begins, many of us resolve to improve our health—hitting the gym, losing a few pounds, eating healthier or cutting back on coffee. But how often do we include preventative health screenings in those plans? These screenings are essential to catch potential issues early, especially as we age. Here’s a breakdown of what to schedule this year and key health indicators to watch for in your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond.
According to the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the 40s are a pivotal time to begin regular screenings. Start with blood pressure checks every one to two years to monitor for hypertension. Adults with risk factors like obesity should test for diabetes every three years. Early detection in these areas can prevent complications like cardiovascular disease, stroke or kidney damage. Mental health screenings for depression and anxiety are also recommended, and intervention can prevent more severe health risks.
Cholesterol screening every five years is recommended as a standard, and more often for those with high numbers. Dr. Scott Joy, the chief medical officer for HCA HealthOne’s physician services, stresses also looking beyond the numbers. “One of the things I hear from patients is, ‘Well, my doctor said my cholesterol numbers are good,’” he says. “But I really like to emphasize awareness of their ten-year risk of heart disease.” Using tools that factor in age, gender and blood pressure, providers can offer a more comprehensive risk assessment. “It’s not just about the cholesterol anymore,” Dr. Joy explains.
Skin cancer screenings, though not universally recommended, are still important. Regular self-checks for abnormalities are encouraged, and screening for hepatitis B and C should also begin in your 40s. “These are often viruses that can live in someone without any symptoms until it becomes very severe,” Dr. Joy says. “[Hepatitis] is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and liver transplants. We now have therapies to treat hepatitis C, but early detection is key.”
Cancer screenings also become more critical as we age. Women should start regular mammograms and pap smears as the risk of breast and cervical cancers increases. Colorectal cancer screenings are now recommended at age 45—earlier than the previous benchmark of 50—as cases among younger adults are rising. The USPSTF reports that 10.5 percent of new colorectal cancer cases occur in people under 50, and cases have increased by almost 15 percent in those ages 40 to 49.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges the public to stay current on vaccines as part of their routine appointments. Dr. Joy recommends keeping up with flu shots and—for both men and women—considering the HPV vaccine. “We’ve found that the HPV vaccine can help prevent head and neck cancers later in life,” he says.
Everything recommended in your 40s carries into your 50s, with a few additional screenings to prioritize. Women should schedule a bone density test to monitor for osteoporosis, as they’re at higher risk than men in this age group. Men should consider prostate cancer screenings. Vaccines in your 50s include flu shots and the shingles vaccine, which protects against painful and debilitating outbreaks.
Lung cancer screenings, officially recommended starting in a person’s 60s, may be beneficial and potentially lifesaving in your 50s for current or former smokers, says Dr. Nina Thomas, a pulmonologist at the University of Colorado. “Lung cancer screening is crucial because most people have no symptoms when it first appears,” she says. A CT scan can detect lung nodules, which could indicate cancer. “It’s really important that if people are at risk, they engage and advocate for themselves to get lung cancer screening so that we can find it at an earlier stage when it’s much more treatable.”
To lower your risk of lung cancer, Dr. Thomas advises using counseling and resources offered by your healthcare provider to quit smoking. Additionally, radon exposure—a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers—should not be overlooked. The Colorado Department of Public Health offers free radon testing and guidance on installing mitigation systems.
Entering your 60s introduces new health concerns. Along with continuing previous screenings, both men and women should monitor bone density, as well as memory and cognitive function. Social isolation and loneliness, increasingly common in later years, are serious concerns. The U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness a public health crisis, linking it to risks like heart disease, stroke and dementia. Loneliness is associated with premature death as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Many clinics now screen for social determinants of health, such as transportation issues, food insecurity or isolation, and connect patients to resources. `
Hearing and vision loss have also become more prevalent. Dr. Joy highlights the importance of addressing hearing loss early. “Hearing loss can lead to social isolation, and it can also lead to memory loss later in life,” he says. Addressing it promptly can help maintain cognitive health and social engagement.
Regular flu shots are still recommended for vaccines if the patient is at a higher risk of complications. The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended in your 50s or 60s to protect against serious respiratory infections.
Despite the importance of preventative health screenings, some people avoid them due to concerns about cost, time or fear of the results. Addressing fears about the process or potential results with your doctor or loved ones can be helpful. Knowing that early detection can increase survival rates can help, too. For example, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is about 90 percent when detected early. Cost-wise, Medicare covers screenings that are A and B recommendations by the USPSTF—most of what’s been mentioned here. While coverage varies among private insurers, many plans include them. Even for patients paying out-of-pocket, most screenings are low-cost.
Screenings are just one piece of the puzzle. A healthy lifestyle is equally important. That includes reducing alcohol and tobacco use, staying socially active, eating nutrient-rich foods and exercising regularly. Even small changes, like walking more or gardening, make a big difference. You can make this year your healthiest yet by combining preventative health measures with healthy habits. Start by scheduling those appointments—it’s a simple step toward a better you.
