Preventative Screenings: What You Need and When
December 15, 2025
By: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Categories: Healthy Living, Primary Care
Staying on top of your health is one of the best ways to prevent serious illness and detect disease early, when it’s most treatable. Preventive health screenings can help identify risk factors and detect diseases before symptoms appear – allowing you and your doctor to act early.
Your need for screenings depends on your age, gender, family history and personal health risks. The blog below outlines the most important preventive screenings and when you should get them.
Cancer screenings
Cancer screenings are designed to find early signs of cancer or precancerous changes before symptoms start. Detecting cancer early allows for more effective treatment and better outcomes.
Breast Cancer
A mammogram is the most common screening for breast cancer. The US Preventative Services Task Force recommends women begin mammograms at the age 40, repeating the test every two years. If you have a family history of breast cancer, dense breast tissue or inherited gene mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), your doctor may recommend starting earlier or supplementing with breast MRI screenings.
Cervical cancer
Screenings for cervical cancer should begin at age 21 and continue regularly through age 65.
- A pap smear should be done every three years from ages 21-29
- From ages 30-65, you can continue to get a pap smear every three years, a human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years or both tests every five years.
These tests detect precancerous cells and strains of HPV known to cause cervical cancer.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer screenings are recommended starting at age 45, or earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer. These tests look for polyps that could become cancerous if left untreated. The “gold standard” is a colonoscopy, performed every 10 years if results are normal. Other options include:
- Fecal occult blood test: every year
- Stool DNA-FIT test: every three years
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy): every five years
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: every five years
- Colonoscopy: every ten years
Other cancer screenings
Depending on your risk factors, your provider may also recommend:
- Lung cancer screening (ages 50-80, with a history of smoking)
- Prostate cancer screening (ages of 55-69)
- Oral cancer checks by your dentist
- Skin cancer exams by your dermatologist
Cardiovascular risk checks
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the U.S., but early detection and prevention can make a life-changing difference.
Blood pressure screening
Blood pressure tests are simple, non-invasive and can be done at home or during a primary care visit. Adults should check their blood pressure at least every two years – more if the reading is high. The test screens for hypertension, which can develop into major heart risks, if left untreated.
Cholesterol screening
A cholesterol test measures your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol. High cholesterol increases your risk for heart attack and stroke. Adults should begin screening at 35 for males and 45 for females, or earlier if they have diabetes, obesity, a family history of heart disease, or other conditions that increase cardiovascular risk.
Additional heart screenings
Depending on your personal health history, your doctor may recommend:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) measures electrical activity and detects irregular heart rhythms
- Echocardiograms use ultrasound to visualize heart structure and function
- Exercise stress test evaluates heart performance during activity
- Cardiac CT scan or CT angiography assesses plaque or blockages in arteries
- Carotid ultrasound checks arteries in your neck for stroke risk
- Ankle-brachial index compares blood pressure in arms and legs to detect peripheral artery disease
Bone density
Bone density screenings check for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk fractures.
Women age 65 and older and men with certain risk factors should have bone density tests. Earlier testing may be recommended for those with:
- A family history of osteoporosis
- A history of fractures or height loss
- Long-term steroid use
- Low hormone levels due to menopause or cancer treatments
Bone density tests use X-ray technology to measure calcium and other minerals in the bones. Tests are non-invasive, quick and painless.
Schedule a screening today
Preventive screenings save lives by detecting conditions early and keeping your health on track.
TMH Physician Partners offers convenient locations throughout the Big Bend for a range of services – from annual wellness exams to specialized, personal care. Find a primary care provider right for you at TMH.ORG/PrimaryCare
