Many health problems can be prevented or treated early with the right screening tests. Knowing which preventive screenings to get—and when—can help you stay healthy at every age. Doctors often recommend specific check-ups based on your age, medical history, and risk factors. This guide explains the most common preventive screenings recommended for adults in Europe, grouped by age, and how doctors decide which tests are most important for you.
Preventive screenings are not just for those who feel unwell. In fact, many conditions such as high blood pressure, certain cancers, and diabetes may not cause symptoms in their early stages. Screening helps find problems early, so you can take action before they become serious.
Remember, these are general recommendations. Your doctor may suggest a different schedule or additional tests based on your individual health and family history.
Screenings in your 20s–30s
Young adults are often in good health, but this is an important time to establish healthy habits and catch any early signs of health concerns. Most screenings focus on prevention, sexual health, and identifying risk factors for future disease.
- Blood pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. High blood pressure can develop without symptoms and increases your risk of heart disease later in life.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): If you are sexually active, regular screening for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections is important. Frequency depends on your sexual behaviour and local guidelines.
- Cervical cancer screening: Women should start cervical cancer screening (such as a Pap test or HPV test) by their mid-20s, or earlier depending on national guidelines. This test looks for changes that could lead to cervical cancer.
- Immunisations: Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines, including HPV, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, measles/mumps/rubella, and seasonal flu.
- Cholesterol: Some doctors recommend a baseline cholesterol test in your 20s, especially if you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or other risk factors.
In addition, your doctor may discuss mental health screening, healthy eating, exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol—important steps for lifelong health.
40s–50s
As you enter your 40s and 50s, the risk for many chronic diseases rises. Screenings during this stage focus on early detection of conditions that become more common with age, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Blood pressure: Continue regular checks, at least annually.
- Cholesterol: Most adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4–6 years, or more often if they have risk factors.
- Type 2 diabetes: Screening is recommended at least every 3 years starting at age 45, or earlier if you have risk factors such as overweight, family history, or high blood pressure.
- Breast cancer screening: Women should discuss mammography with their doctor starting in their 40s. The recommended starting age and frequency may vary by country and personal risk.
- Cervical cancer screening: Continue regular Pap test or HPV tests according to national guidelines—often every 3–5 years.
- Bowel (colorectal) cancer screening: Screening often begins at age 50, but may start earlier if you have a family history or other risk factors. Options include a stool test or colonoscopy.
- Prostate health: Men should discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctor. Screening recommendations vary, so individual risk factors and preferences are considered.
- Eye health: Regular eye exams become more important in your 40s and 50s to check for vision changes, glaucoma, and other conditions.
- Skin checks: If you have risk factors for skin cancer (such as fair skin, high sun exposure, or family history), discuss regular skin exams with your doctor.
Your doctor may also recommend screening for depression, especially if you have symptoms or a history of mental health concerns. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits—like staying active and eating well—remains essential.
60+
In your 60s and beyond, regular screenings are key to maintaining independence and quality of life. Many health conditions become more common with age, but early detection and management can make a real difference.
- Blood pressure and cholesterol: Continue regular monitoring, often annually or as advised by your doctor.
- Type 2 diabetes: Screening continues as recommended, especially if you have risk factors or previous abnormal results.
- Bowel (colorectal) cancer: Screening is usually continued until age 74–75, but guidelines differ. Discuss with your doctor when it’s appropriate to stop.
- Breast and cervical cancer: Women should continue screening according to local guidelines, which may suggest stopping after a certain age if previous results have been normal.
- Prostate health: Men should continue to discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening with their doctor.
- Bone density (osteoporosis): Bone density testing is recommended for women over 65 and men over 70, or earlier if you have risk factors (such as previous fractures or long-term steroid use).
- Eye and hearing checks: Regular vision and hearing tests are important for early detection of age-related changes.
- Vaccinations: Older adults may need vaccines against flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19.
Falls risk assessment and screening for memory problems or depression may also be part of your routine care in this stage of life.
How doctors prioritize risk
Doctors do not use a “one size fits all” approach to preventive screenings. Instead, they consider both general guidelines and your personal risk factors to decide which tests are most important for you. Here are some of the key factors they use:
- Age: Many screenings are age-based because certain diseases become more common with age.
- Family history: If you have close relatives with certain conditions (such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes), you may need earlier or more frequent screening.
- Personal medical history: Your own health history can affect which screenings are recommended.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol use, diet, physical activity, and other habits can increase your risk for some diseases.
- Sex and gender: Some screenings are specific to men or women, such as cervical cancer screening for women or prostate checks for men.
- Symptoms or concerns: If you develop symptoms—even if you are not due for a screening—your doctor may recommend tests sooner.
Doctors use guidelines from health authorities, but always individualise recommendations to match your situation. It’s important to share your personal and family health history with your doctor and ask questions about which screenings are right for you.
If you have chronic conditions (like diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders), your screening schedule may be different. Regular check-ups help your doctor monitor your health and adjust your care plan as needed.
What if you miss a screening?
Life can get busy, and sometimes appointments are missed or delayed. If you realise you are overdue for a screening, don’t worry—it’s never too late to get back on track. Contact your doctor to discuss which tests you need and how to schedule them.
Are screenings always necessary?
Not every test is needed for every person. Some screenings can have risks or lead to unnecessary procedures. Screening decisions should be made together with your doctor, considering the benefits and possible downsides. Shared decision-making helps ensure you get the care that’s best for you.
How to prepare for your next check-up
- Make a list of your medications and any symptoms or concerns
- Know your family medical history, if possible
- Ask your doctor which preventive screenings you are due for
- Discuss lifestyle changes that may help reduce your risk of illness
If you are curious about what happens during a routine preventive visit, you can read more in this overview of what to expect at an annual health checkup and how it fits into your long-term wellbeing.
Staying informed and proactive about your health is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Preventive screenings are a key part of this, helping you catch problems early or avoid them altogether. Regular check-ups, healthy habits, and open communication with your healthcare team will help you maintain your well-being at every stage of life.
For more personalised advice, talk to your doctor or nurse about which screenings are right for you, and how often you should have them. Your health is worth it.
