A Primary Care Physician Guide to Preventive Screenings by Age
Why a Primary Care Physician Is Essential for Managing Multiple Conditions at Once
As a primary care doctor in St. Augustine, one of the most important responsibilities I have is helping my patients stay healthy before problems arise. Many of the most serious health conditions—heart disease, diabetes, cancer—can be caught early or even prevented entirely with the right screening tests. Yet surveys consistently show that many adults are unsure about which screenings they need and when they need them.
This guide breaks down the most important preventive screenings by age group so you can feel confident, prepared, and proactive about your health. Every person’s situation is unique, so treat this as a starting point—your own recommendations may vary based on your personal and family medical history.
Ages 18–29: Building Healthy Habits Early
Your 20s are the foundation years for long-term health. Even if you feel well, this is the time to establish a relationship with a primary care doctor and set healthy habits that will serve you for decades.
Screenings to Consider:
✔ Annual wellness check
Even when you’re healthy, a yearly visit helps track blood pressure, weight, mental health, and lifestyle factors.
✔ Blood pressure
Should be checked at least once every 1–2 years if normal; more often if elevated.
✔ Cholesterol panel
Starting at age 20, a baseline lipid panel is recommended, especially if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.
✔ Sexual health screenings
STI testing (including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV) based on risk factors and sexual activity.
✔ Cervical cancer screening
For women starting at age 21:
– Pap smear every 3 years (ages 21–29).
✔ Mental health screening
Depression and anxiety are common in this age group, and early support makes a big difference.
✔ Immunizations
This is a good decade to update tetanus, HPV series, flu shots, and any missing childhood vaccines.
Ages 30–39: Catching Early Warning Signs
In your 30s, lifestyle factors begin showing their effects, and many chronic conditions can start quietly. Screening becomes more personalized as family history and risk factors become clearer.
Screenings to Consider:
✔ Annual physical
Continue yearly checkups to monitor blood pressure, weight, mental health, and early markers of chronic disease.
✔ Blood pressure
Every 1 year if normal; every visit if elevated.
✔ Cholesterol panel
Every 4–6 years if normal, or more frequently if you have risk factors like diabetes, obesity, or a family history of early heart disease.
✔ Diabetes screening
A fasting glucose or A1c test may be recommended if you’re overweight or have other risk factors.
✔ Cervical cancer screening
Ages 30–65:
– Pap smear every 3 years, or
– Pap + HPV co-test every 5 years.
✔ STI screenings
Still important depending on risk and relationship status.
✔ Skin cancer check
A yearly skin exam is especially helpful if you have fair skin, many moles, or a history of tanning.
✔ Prenatal and fertility-related tests (when applicable)
For patients planning a family, there may be genetic, nutritional, or maternal health screenings to consider.
Ages 40–49: Preparing for Midlife Health Changes
The 40s are a pivotal decade. Metabolism slows, cardiovascular risk increases, and certain cancers become more common. Screening becomes more proactive.
Screenings to Consider:
✔ Annual physical
Continue yearly checkups to monitor blood pressure, weight, mental health, and early markers of chronic disease.
✔ Blood pressure and cholesterol
Typically checked more frequently, especially if levels were borderline earlier.
✔ Diabetes screening
Screen once at age 45; earlier if overweight or high-risk.
✔ Mammogram
For women:
– Begin yearly or every two years starting at age 40, depending on guidelines and personal risk factors.
Those with a strong family history may start earlier or get supplemental imaging.
✔ Colon cancer screening
New guidelines recommend starting at age 45. Options include:
– Colonoscopy every 10 years
– Stool DNA test every 3 years
– FIT test yearly
*Screening may be recommended earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) or advanced adenoma in a first-degree relative diagnosed before age 60, or in two or more first-degree relatives at any age. For these patients, colonoscopy should begin at age 40, or 10 years younger than the earliest diagnosis in the family, whichever comes first, and be repeated every 5 years.
✔ Prostate cancer discussion (men)
Starting around age 45–50 (depending on risk), your doctor may discuss PSA testing. It’s not for everyone—shared decision-making is key.
✔ Thyroid screening
Not required for everyone, but many people first show symptoms of thyroid disease in this decade.
✔ Eye and dental care
Eye exams every 2–4 years, and regular dental cleanings.
✔ Mental health and stress screening
Midlife stress is real—screening for anxiety, depression, and burnout can help catch concerns early.
Ages 50–64: Staying Ahead of Chronic Conditions
This age group experiences the biggest health transitions. Chronic conditions become more common, and screenings are crucial for prevention and early detection.
Screenings to Consider:
✔ Annual physical
Continue yearly checkups to monitor blood pressure, weight, mental health, and early markers of chronic disease.
✔ Blood pressure
Checked at every visit or at least annually.
✔ Cholesterol panel
Lipid panel screening at least every 5 years, with more frequent testing (every 1–2 years or annually) for those with additional cardiovascular risk factors or on lipid-lowering therapy.
✔ Diabetes screening
Every 3 years at minimum; more often if you have prediabetes or risk factors.
✔ Colon cancer screening
Continue at recommended intervals.
✔ Mammograms
Continue every 1–2 years.
✔ Osteoporosis (bone density scan)
Women should have a baseline bone density test at age 65, but screening may start earlier if there are risk factors like early menopause, low body weight, or fractures. Men should consider a bone density test at age 70 or earlier if there are risk factors.
✔ Lung cancer screening
For adults 50–80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years:
– Annual low-dose CT scan is recommended.
✔ Prostate cancer discussion
Men in their 50s can discuss PSA testing with their doctor.
✔ Shingles vaccine & other immunizations
Shingles vaccine recommended starting at age 50 (two-dose series).
Continue flu, COVID, and tetanus boosters as advised.
Ages 65+: Prioritizing Wellness and Independence
Health goals shift toward maintaining independence, mobility, and quality of life. Screenings remain essential but may be tailored based on overall health, life expectancy, and personal preferences.
Screenings to Consider:
✔ Annual physical
Continue yearly checkups to monitor blood pressure, weight, mental health, cognitive assessments and personalized care planning.
✔ Blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes
Monitored regularly.
✔ Colon cancer screening
Generally continues until about age 75; decisions after that are individualized.
✔ Mammograms
Continue through age 74; after that, screening depends on health status and preferences.
✔ Bone density testing
Regular follow-up scans every 1–2 years if osteoporosis is present.
✔ Vision, hearing, and fall-risk assessments
These are critical for safety and maintaining independence.
✔ Vaccinations
Pneumonia vaccines, shingles, annual flu shot, and others based on risk factors.
Final Thoughts
Preventive screenings aren’t just about finding disease—they’re about helping you stay healthy, active, and engaged with life at every age. The right screenings can detect silent problems early, guide lifestyle changes, and give you peace of mind.
If you’re unsure which screenings you need, schedule a wellness visit with your primary care doctor. Together, you can create a personalized plan based on your age, health history, risk factors, and goals.
Your future health starts with the choices you make today—and getting the right screenings is one of the most powerful tools you have.
If you’re looking for resources in St. Augustine, FL, consider reaching out to a primary care physician like Dr. Bryant Wilson at Florida Direct Primary Care, who has additional expertise in sports medicine and obesity medicine. A strong primary care partnership is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health.
Florida Direct Primary Care in St. Augustine
Dr. Bryant Wilson is a board certified internal medicine, sports medicine and obesity medicine physician at Florida Direct Primary Care who develops individualized treatment plans that promote overall health and wellness, tailored to each patient’s unique health needs and goals. If you’re in the St. Augustine area and looking for a primary care doctor, contact us to learn more about our practice. Visit FloridaDPC.com, email us at info@FloridaDPC.com, or call 904-650-2882.
This web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating individual health problems or diseases. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.Ready to become a Florida DPC member? Click here to register.
