Top 5 Recommended Health Screenings by Age and Gender

health screenings by age and gender

Stay Proactive. Stay Healthy.

Preventive care is the cornerstone of a long and healthy life. One of the best ways to catch health issues early—or avoid them entirely—is by following a schedule of recommended health screenings by age and gender.

At Evans Medical Group, we believe that knowledge and early action save lives. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 70s, knowing what screenings to get—and when—empowers you to take control of your health journey.

Below, we’ll walk you through the top 5 health screenings recommended by age and gender, why they matter, and how often you should get them.

1. Blood Pressure Screening

Who should get it: All adults starting at age 18
How often: Every 2 years if normal; annually or more if elevated or at risk

Why it matters:
High blood pressure (hypertension) is often symptomless but can lead to serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. The earlier it’s detected, the easier it is to manage.

Risk factors:

  • Family history of hypertension
  • Obesity
  • High-sodium diet
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Chronic stress

What to expect:
A quick, non-invasive test with a cuff placed around your arm. If your blood pressure is consistently higher than 120/80 mmHg, lifestyle changes and/or medications may be recommended.

Evans Medical Group Tip: We encourage adults—especially those over 40 or with risk factors—to check their blood pressure at least once a year during a routine wellness exam.

2. Cholesterol Screening

Who should get it:

  • Men: Starting at age 35
  • Women: Starting at age 45
  • Earlier for adults with diabetes, obesity, or a family history of heart disease

How often: Every 4–6 years if normal; more often if you have elevated cholesterol or cardiovascular risks

Why it matters:
High cholesterol can build up in your arteries, narrowing blood flow and increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes.

What’s included:

  • Total cholesterol
  • LDL (“bad” cholesterol)
  • HDL (“good” cholesterol)
  • Triglycerides

What it tells us:
This screening helps determine your risk for cardiovascular disease and guides any necessary changes in your diet, activity level, or medication.

Evans Medical Group Tip: We offer fasting and non-fasting cholesterol tests depending on your overall health. Ask us during your next visit which is best for you.

3. Cancer Screenings (Gender and Age-Specific)

Cancer screenings are among the most critical recommended health screenings by age and gender because early detection often means more treatment options and better outcomes.

A. Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear and HPV Test)

Who: Women ages 21–65
Frequency: Every 3 years for Pap test alone; every 5 years with HPV co-testing

Evans Tip: If you’ve had a hysterectomy or are over 65, screening guidelines may change. Talk with your provider for a tailored plan.

B. Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram)

Who: Women starting at age 40
Frequency: Every 1–2 years depending on personal and family history

Evans Tip: Women with a family history of breast cancer may need earlier or more frequent screenings. Our team can help you assess your risk.

C. Prostate Cancer Screening (PSA Blood Test)

Who: Men starting around age 50
Frequency: Every 1–2 years based on individual risk

Evans Tip: African American men and those with a family history may need to begin PSA testing as early as age 45.

D. Colorectal Cancer Screening

Who: All adults, regardless of gender, starting at age 45
Frequency:

  • Colonoscopy every 10 years (preferred)
  • Or stool tests annually

Evans Tip: If you have a family history or other risk factors, you may need to begin screening earlier. Our team can walk you through your best options.

4. Diabetes Screening (Fasting Blood Sugar or A1C Test)

Who should get it:

  • Adults aged 35 and older
  • Younger adults with BMI ≥25 (or ≥23 for Asian Americans) and one or more risk factors (e.g., family history, inactivity)

How often: Every 3 years if normal; annually if at risk

Why it matters:
Diabetes can quietly damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and heart long before you feel symptoms. Early screening helps you take preventive steps before complications arise.

What’s included:

  • Fasting blood glucose
  • A1C (average blood sugar over 3 months)

Evans Medical Group Tip: If you’ve had gestational diabetes or prediabetes in the past, regular follow-up is key. We provide personalized support and nutritional counseling to help you manage your blood sugar.

5. Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan)

Who should get it:

  • Women: Age 65+
  • Men: Age 70+
  • Earlier for those with risk factors such as low body weight, smoking, or fractures

How often: Every 2–5 years depending on results

Why it matters:
Osteoporosis leads to brittle bones and a higher risk of fractures, especially in older adults. A DEXA scan measures bone mineral density and helps assess fracture risk.

Evans Medical Group Tip: Calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve bone health. We can help you build a plan to stay strong.

Additional Screenings Based on Age and Gender

While the above are the top 5 most common recommended health screenings by age, there are others to keep in mind:

  • Hearing Tests: Starting at age 50

  • Eye Exams: Every 1–2 years depending on age and vision history

  • Skin Cancer Checks: Annually for those at risk

  • Hepatitis C Screening: Once for all adults born between 1945–1965 or others at risk

  • Lung Cancer Screening (Low-Dose CT): For adults 50–80 with a history of heavy smoking

Our care team at Evans Medical Group offers customized screening plans to match your unique needs and risk profile.

Why Following Recommended Health Screenings by Age Matters

Neglecting routine screenings can lead to delayed diagnosis, more complicated treatments, and poorer outcomes. Following an age-appropriate preventive care schedule can:

  • Detect silent conditions before symptoms appear
  • Reduce long-term healthcare costs
  • Improve quality of life
  • Extend life expectancy

And perhaps most importantly—it gives you peace of mind.

Trust Evans Medical Group with Your Preventive Care

At Evans Medical Group, we’re more than just your doctor’s office—we’re your partner in health. We take the time to understand your family history, lifestyle, and personal health goals to recommend the best screenings at the right time.

✔️ Comprehensive wellness exams
✔️ Preventive health planning
✔️ Compassionate, patient-first care

Ready to Take Charge of Your Health?

Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Contact Evans Medical Group today to schedule your consultation with an internal medicine doctor and discuss your recommended health screenings by age and gender.

📞 Call us at (706) 868-3100
📍 Visit us at 1205 Town Park Ln, Evans GA 30809