Overdue or never screened? What still applies at your age
Missing a screening is common. In 2016, about 1 in 4 eligible US adults had never been screened for colorectal cancer, the USPSTF notes. (USPSTF, 2021) The USPSTF statements set no separate catch-up schedule: if you are still in the age range, you start now on the usual interval. This page shows what still applies, what is once in a lifetime, and where the age limits are.
What still applies if you missed it
| Screening | Who and ages | If you missed it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorectal cancer | All adults, 45 to 75 | Start now with any recommended test, on its usual interval. From 76 to 85 it is a personal decision, and people never screened before are more likely to benefit. | USPSTF, 2021, grade A |
| Breast cancer | Women, 40 to 74 | Start now, then every 2 years to 74. From 75 the USPSTF finds the evidence insufficient. | USPSTF, 2024, grade B |
| Cervical cancer | Women, 21 to 65 | Start now if you are under 65. Over 65 with an unknown or incomplete screening history, screening may still be indicated. | USPSTF, 2018, grade A |
| Lung cancer | All adults, 50 to 80 if you have a 20 pack-year history and smoke now or quit within 15 years | Not a catch-up test: it applies only while you meet the age and smoking criteria, and stops 15 years after quitting. | USPSTF, 2021, grade B |
| Hepatitis C | All adults, 18 to 79 | Once in a lifetime for most adults, so a single test to 79 covers it. | USPSTF, 2020, grade B |
| HIV | All adults, 18 to 65 | At least once from 15 to 65; one test covers it unless you are at increased risk. | USPSTF, 2019, grade A |
Other screenings follow the same rule: blood pressure from 18, diabetes at 35 to 70 with overweight, the one-time aortic ultrasound for men 65 to 75 who have ever smoked, and bone density for women 65 and older. If you are in the range and have not had one, it applies now. Your screening plan lists everything for your age and sex; it does not ask what you have already had, so tick off what you have done with your doctor.
Never had colon screening
From 45 to 75, the USPSTF recommends colorectal screening for everyone (grade A from 50, B at 45 to 49). Any of the recommended tests counts: a yearly stool test, a stool DNA-FIT every 1 to 3 years, CT colonography or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or a colonoscopy every 10 years. (USPSTF, 2021) See the tests compared. The USPSTF notes that an abnormal result on any test other than colonoscopy needs a follow-up colonoscopy for screening to work. (USPSTF, 2021)
From 76 to 85, the USPSTF recommends offering screening selectively, weighing overall health, prior screening and preferences. It says the net benefit is small for people screened before, and that people who have never been screened are more likely to benefit. (USPSTF, 2021) The American Cancer Society agrees that prior screening history is part of the decision at 76 to 85, and says people over 85 should no longer be screened. (ACS, 2026)
Never had a mammogram
The USPSTF recommends a mammogram every 2 years from 40 to 74 (grade B). If you are in that range, you start on that interval. At 75 and older it finds the evidence insufficient to weigh benefits and harms, so it is a decision with your doctor. (USPSTF, 2024)
Behind on Pap or HPV tests
From 21 to 65, cervical screening applies on the usual schedule (grade A). After 65, the USPSTF recommends against screening only for women who have had adequate prior screening and are not at high risk. It notes that screening may be clinically indicated in older women with an inadequate or unknown screening history. (USPSTF, 2018) Guidelines it cites define adequate prior screening as 3 normal Pap tests in a row, or 2 normal co-tests in a row, in the 10 years before stopping, with the last one within 5 years. (USPSTF, 2018) More on when you can stop.
Once-in-a-lifetime tests
A few screenings are done once for most people, so catching up means one test. Hepatitis C: once for adults 18 to 79; people with continuing risk, such as injection drug use, are tested periodically. (USPSTF, 2020) HIV: at least once from 15 to 65, more often if you are at increased risk. (USPSTF, 2019)
Lung screening is not a catch-up test
The yearly low-dose CT applies only while you are 50 to 80 with a 20 pack-year history and smoke now or quit within the past 15 years. Screening stops once you have not smoked for 15 years, so there is nothing to make up afterwards. (USPSTF, 2021) See screenings if you smoke.
What to do next
Make a list of what you think you have had and roughly when, then bring it to a visit; questions to ask your doctor can help. Symptoms such as bleeding or a lump are not a screening matter: see a doctor about them whatever your screening history. This page is educational only, not medical advice; talk to your doctor about what is right for you.
Questions people ask
I am 60 and never had a colonoscopy. Is it too late?
No. The USPSTF recommends colorectal screening for everyone 45 to 75 (grade A at 50 to 75), so at 60 you are in the main age range. A colonoscopy is one option; stool tests and others also count. Ask your doctor which to start with. (USPSTF, 2021)
I am 50 and have never had a mammogram. Should I start?
Yes, under the USPSTF: a mammogram every 2 years from 40 to 74. The statement sets no catch-up schedule, so you start on the usual interval. (USPSTF, 2024)
I am over 75 and was never screened for colon cancer. Should I be?
It depends on your health and wishes. The USPSTF says screening at 76 to 85 should be offered selectively, and that people never screened before are more likely to benefit. The American Cancer Society also bases the decision on prior screening history, life expectancy and health, and says people over 85 should no longer be screened. (USPSTF, 2021) (ACS, 2026)
I am 67 and have not had a Pap test in years. Can I just stop?
Not automatically. The USPSTF stop rule after 65 applies to women with adequate prior screening, and says screening may be clinically indicated with an inadequate or unknown history. Ask your doctor whether your past results count. (USPSTF, 2018)