Prevention by age
These are not screening tests. They are medicines and habits the USPSTF has graded for preventing disease, each with its own ages. Each one is a choice to make with your doctor.
- Statins for preventionAdults 40 to 75 with a risk factor and a 10-year heart risk of 10% or more (grade B). 76 and older: evidence insufficient. (USPSTF, 2022)
- Daily aspirinDo not start at 60 or older (grade D). At 40 to 59 with a 10-year heart risk of 10% or more: an individual decision (grade C). (USPSTF, 2022)
- Falls prevention, 65 and olderExercise for adults 65+ at higher fall risk (grade B); a personal fall-risk plan case by case (grade C); vitamin D for falls: draft says no. (USPSTF, 2024)
- Folic acid before pregnancyAnyone who could become pregnant: a daily supplement with 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 to 800 mcg) of folic acid (grade A). (USPSTF, 2023)
- PrEP to prevent HIVTeens and adults at increased risk of HIV, weighing at least 35 kg (77 lb): PrEP medicine to lower the risk (grade A). (USPSTF, 2023)
- Medicines to lower breast cancer riskWomen 35+ at increased risk: offer tamoxifen, raloxifene or an aromatase inhibitor (grade B). Not at increased risk: do not use routinely (grade D). (USPSTF, 2019)
- Quitting smokingAdults: counseling plus FDA-approved medicines (grade A). Pregnancy: counseling (A); medicines and e-cigarettes, evidence insufficient (I). Free help: 1-800-QUIT-NOW. (USPSTF, 2021)
- Healthy eating and activity counselingAdults with heart risk factors: counseling on diet and activity (grade B). Without risk factors: case by case (grade C). (USPSTF, 2020)
- Weight-loss programs, BMI 30+Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher: offer or refer to an intensive weight-loss program built on diet and activity (grade B). (USPSTF, 2018)
Looking for tests? See all adult screenings or screenings by age and gender.