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Screenings

Questions to ask your doctor about screening

A short list to take to your next checkup. Find your age band, tick the questions that fit you, and print the page. Each question comes from a USPSTF recommendation for people at average risk; your doctor decides what applies to you.

Build my screening plan

Want a list for exactly your age? The screening planner builds one from your age, sex and a few risk factors, in your browser, and prints it with an "Also ask your doctor about" section.

Jump to: about any test · any adult age · 18 to 39 · 40 to 49 · 50 to 64 · 65 to 74 · 75 and older

About any screening test

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality suggests asking, for any test: (AHRQ, 2020) (AHRQ, 2024)

  • What is the test for?
  • How is it done, and how will it feel?
  • What do I need to do to get ready for it?
  • How and when will I get the results?
  • Are there any alternatives?

Two more that matter for screening: what happens next if the result is not normal, and is it covered without a copay under my plan (see preventive screenings covered by insurance)?

At any adult age

  • When was my blood pressure last checked, and do I need readings at home or outside the office to confirm it? USPSTF: 18 and older, grade A; how often: Every year from 40 or if at higher risk; every 3 to 5 years for adults 18 to 39 with normal readings and no added risk. (USPSTF, 2021) More on blood pressure
  • Can we go through the short depression questionnaire today? USPSTF: 18 and older, grade B; how often: No set interval; screen if not screened before, then use clinical judgment. (USPSTF, 2023) More on depression
  • Can we talk about how much I drink? USPSTF: 18 and older, grade B; how often: No set interval. (USPSTF, 2018) More on unhealthy alcohol use
  • Should we talk about drug use, including medicines not taken as prescribed? USPSTF: 18 and older, grade B; how often: No set interval. (USPSTF, 2020) More on unhealthy drug use
  • Women, if you or your family have had breast, ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer: should I have the brief family risk check for BRCA gene changes? USPSTF: 18 and older, grade B; how often: Once, with genetic counseling if the risk tool is positive. (USPSTF, 2019) More on BRCA risk assessment; family history and screening
  • If you are at increased risk (for example HIV or another STI, men who have sex with men, drug use, or past incarceration): should I be tested for syphilis? USPSTF: 18 and older, grade A; how often: Evidence on intervals is limited; at least yearly, or every 3 to 6 months, for men who have sex with men or people with HIV who stay at high risk. (USPSTF, 2022) More on syphilis
  • If you are at increased risk (for example born where hepatitis B is common, HIV, injection drug use, or a household or sex partner with hepatitis B): should I be tested for hepatitis B? USPSTF: 18 and older, grade B; how often: Periodically for people whose risk continues. (USPSTF, 2020) More on hepatitis B
  • If you are at increased risk (born in or lived in a country where TB is common, or lived in a shelter or correctional facility): should I be tested for latent tuberculosis (TB)? USPSTF: 18 and older, grade B; how often: Once to yearly, depending on continued risk of exposure. (USPSTF, 2023) More on latent tuberculosis

Ages 18 to 39

Ask the questions under any adult age, plus:

  • Women: which cervical test is right for me (Pap test, HPV test or both), and when is my next one due? USPSTF: 21 to 65, grade A; how often: Every 3 years (Pap test) from 21; from 30, every 3 years (Pap) or every 5 years (HPV test or cotest). (USPSTF, 2018) More on cervical cancer
  • If you have overweight or obesity: should I have a blood sugar test for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes? USPSTF: 35 to 70, grade B; how often: Every 3 years may be reasonable if results are normal. (USPSTF, 2021) More on prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
  • Women, if you are past menopause and at increased risk: do my risk factors mean I need a bone density scan before 65? USPSTF: 18 to 64, grade B; how often: Not set by the USPSTF; evidence on repeat intervals is limited. (USPSTF, 2025) More on osteoporosis (before 65)
  • Have I ever had a hepatitis C test? For most adults it is a one-time test. USPSTF: 18 to 79, grade B; how often: Once for most adults; repeat if risk continues (for example, injection drug use). (USPSTF, 2020) More on hepatitis C
  • Have I had an HIV test at least once? USPSTF: 18 to 65, grade A; how often: At least once; repeat testing is reasonable for people at increased risk. (USPSTF, 2019) More on HIV
  • Can we go through the anxiety questions too? USPSTF: 18 to 64, grade B; how often: No set interval. (USPSTF, 2023) More on anxiety
  • Women, if you are sexually active: should I be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea? USPSTF: 18 to 24, grade B; how often: No set interval; test again if new or ongoing risk factors since the last negative test. (USPSTF, 2021) More on chlamydia and gonorrhea
  • Women, if you are sexually active and at increased risk (for example a new or more than one sex partner, or a past STI): should I be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea? USPSTF: 25 and older, grade B; how often: No set interval; test again if new or ongoing risk factors since the last negative test. (USPSTF, 2021) More on chlamydia and gonorrhea (25 and older)

See screenings at 18, or plan for a woman of 18 or a man of 18.

Ages 40 to 49

Ask the questions under any adult age, plus:

  • Women: which cervical test is right for me (Pap test, HPV test or both), and when is my next one due? USPSTF: 21 to 65, grade A; how often: Every 3 years (Pap test) from 21; from 30, every 3 years (Pap) or every 5 years (HPV test or cotest). (USPSTF, 2018) More on cervical cancer
  • If you have overweight or obesity: should I have a blood sugar test for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes? USPSTF: 35 to 70, grade B; how often: Every 3 years may be reasonable if results are normal. (USPSTF, 2021) More on prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
  • Women: when is my next mammogram due? USPSTF: 40 to 74, grade B; how often: Every 2 years. (USPSTF, 2024) More on breast cancer
  • Which colorectal cancer test suits me (a stool test, colonoscopy or another option), and when is my next one due? USPSTF: 45 to 75, grade A; how often: Depends on the test: stool test every year, stool DNA-FIT every 1 to 3 years, CT colonography or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, colonoscopy every 10 years. (USPSTF, 2021) More on colorectal cancer
  • Women, if you are past menopause and at increased risk: do my risk factors mean I need a bone density scan before 65? USPSTF: 18 to 64, grade B; how often: Not set by the USPSTF; evidence on repeat intervals is limited. (USPSTF, 2025) More on osteoporosis (before 65)
  • Have I ever had a hepatitis C test? For most adults it is a one-time test. USPSTF: 18 to 79, grade B; how often: Once for most adults; repeat if risk continues (for example, injection drug use). (USPSTF, 2020) More on hepatitis C
  • Have I had an HIV test at least once? USPSTF: 18 to 65, grade A; how often: At least once; repeat testing is reasonable for people at increased risk. (USPSTF, 2019) More on HIV
  • Can we go through the anxiety questions too? USPSTF: 18 to 64, grade B; how often: No set interval. (USPSTF, 2023) More on anxiety
  • Women, if you are sexually active and at increased risk (for example a new or more than one sex partner, or a past STI): should I be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea? USPSTF: 25 and older, grade B; how often: No set interval; test again if new or ongoing risk factors since the last negative test. (USPSTF, 2021) More on chlamydia and gonorrhea (25 and older)

See screenings at 40, or plan for a woman of 40 or a man of 40.

Ages 50 to 64

Ask the questions under any adult age, plus:

  • Women: which cervical test is right for me (Pap test, HPV test or both), and when is my next one due? USPSTF: 21 to 65, grade A; how often: Every 3 years (Pap test) from 21; from 30, every 3 years (Pap) or every 5 years (HPV test or cotest). (USPSTF, 2018) More on cervical cancer
  • If you have overweight or obesity: should I have a blood sugar test for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes? USPSTF: 35 to 70, grade B; how often: Every 3 years may be reasonable if results are normal. (USPSTF, 2021) More on prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
  • Women: when is my next mammogram due? USPSTF: 40 to 74, grade B; how often: Every 2 years. (USPSTF, 2024) More on breast cancer
  • Which colorectal cancer test suits me (a stool test, colonoscopy or another option), and when is my next one due? USPSTF: 45 to 75, grade A; how often: Depends on the test: stool test every year, stool DNA-FIT every 1 to 3 years, CT colonography or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, colonoscopy every 10 years. (USPSTF, 2021) More on colorectal cancer
  • If you have a 20 pack-year history and smoke now or quit within 15 years: should I have a yearly low-dose CT scan for lung cancer? USPSTF: 50 to 80, grade B; how often: Every year. (USPSTF, 2021) More on lung cancer; pack-year calculator
  • Women, if you are past menopause and at increased risk: do my risk factors mean I need a bone density scan before 65? USPSTF: 18 to 64, grade B; how often: Not set by the USPSTF; evidence on repeat intervals is limited. (USPSTF, 2025) More on osteoporosis (before 65)
  • Have I ever had a hepatitis C test? For most adults it is a one-time test. USPSTF: 18 to 79, grade B; how often: Once for most adults; repeat if risk continues (for example, injection drug use). (USPSTF, 2020) More on hepatitis C
  • Have I had an HIV test at least once? USPSTF: 18 to 65, grade A; how often: At least once; repeat testing is reasonable for people at increased risk. (USPSTF, 2019) More on HIV
  • Can we go through the anxiety questions too? USPSTF: 18 to 64, grade B; how often: No set interval. (USPSTF, 2023) More on anxiety
  • Women, if you are sexually active and at increased risk (for example a new or more than one sex partner, or a past STI): should I be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea? USPSTF: 25 and older, grade B; how often: No set interval; test again if new or ongoing risk factors since the last negative test. (USPSTF, 2021) More on chlamydia and gonorrhea (25 and older)

Past the grade A and B ages, the same USPSTF statements say:

See screenings at 50, or plan for a woman of 50 or a man of 50.

Ages 65 to 74

Ask the questions under any adult age, plus:

  • Women: have I had enough normal cervical tests in the past to stop cervical screening now? USPSTF: 21 to 65, grade A; how often: Every 3 years (Pap test) from 21; from 30, every 3 years (Pap) or every 5 years (HPV test or cotest). (USPSTF, 2018) More on cervical cancer
  • If you have overweight or obesity: should I have a blood sugar test for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes? USPSTF: 35 to 70, grade B; how often: Every 3 years may be reasonable if results are normal. (USPSTF, 2021) More on prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
  • Women: when is my next mammogram due? USPSTF: 40 to 74, grade B; how often: Every 2 years. (USPSTF, 2024) More on breast cancer
  • Which colorectal cancer test suits me (a stool test, colonoscopy or another option), and when is my next one due? USPSTF: 45 to 75, grade A; how often: Depends on the test: stool test every year, stool DNA-FIT every 1 to 3 years, CT colonography or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, colonoscopy every 10 years. (USPSTF, 2021) More on colorectal cancer
  • If you have a 20 pack-year history and smoke now or quit within 15 years: should I have a yearly low-dose CT scan for lung cancer? USPSTF: 50 to 80, grade B; how often: Every year. (USPSTF, 2021) More on lung cancer; pack-year calculator
  • Women: should I have a bone density scan? USPSTF: 65 and older, grade B; how often: Not set by the USPSTF; evidence on repeat intervals is limited. (USPSTF, 2025) More on osteoporosis
  • Men, if you have ever smoked: should I have a one-time ultrasound to check for an abdominal aortic aneurysm? USPSTF: 65 to 75, grade B; how often: Once. (USPSTF, 2019) More on abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Have I ever had a hepatitis C test? For most adults it is a one-time test. USPSTF: 18 to 79, grade B; how often: Once for most adults; repeat if risk continues (for example, injection drug use). (USPSTF, 2020) More on hepatitis C
  • Have I had an HIV test at least once? USPSTF: 18 to 65, grade A; how often: At least once; repeat testing is reasonable for people at increased risk. (USPSTF, 2019) More on HIV
  • Women, if you are sexually active and at increased risk (for example a new or more than one sex partner, or a past STI): should I be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea? USPSTF: 25 and older, grade B; how often: No set interval; test again if new or ongoing risk factors since the last negative test. (USPSTF, 2021) More on chlamydia and gonorrhea (25 and older)

Past the grade A and B ages, the same USPSTF statements say:

  • Men 55 to 69: Should I have a PSA test? The USPSTF calls it an individual decision up to 69 (grade C) and recommends against it from 70 (grade D). (USPSTF, 2018) More on prostate cancer
  • Women older than 65: The USPSTF recommends against cervical screening after 65 for women who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk (grade D). Does that apply to me? (USPSTF, 2018) More on cervical cancer

See screenings at 65, or plan for a woman of 65 or a man of 65.

Ages 75 and older

Ask the questions under any adult age, plus:

  • Which colorectal cancer test suits me (a stool test, colonoscopy or another option), and when is my next one due? USPSTF: 45 to 75, grade A; how often: Depends on the test: stool test every year, stool DNA-FIT every 1 to 3 years, CT colonography or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, colonoscopy every 10 years. (USPSTF, 2021) More on colorectal cancer
  • If you have a 20 pack-year history and smoke now or quit within 15 years: should I have a yearly low-dose CT scan for lung cancer? USPSTF: 50 to 80, grade B; how often: Every year. (USPSTF, 2021) More on lung cancer; pack-year calculator
  • Women: should I have a bone density scan? USPSTF: 65 and older, grade B; how often: Not set by the USPSTF; evidence on repeat intervals is limited. (USPSTF, 2025) More on osteoporosis
  • Men, if you have ever smoked: should I have a one-time ultrasound to check for an abdominal aortic aneurysm? USPSTF: 65 to 75, grade B; how often: Once. (USPSTF, 2019) More on abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Have I ever had a hepatitis C test? For most adults it is a one-time test. USPSTF: 18 to 79, grade B; how often: Once for most adults; repeat if risk continues (for example, injection drug use). (USPSTF, 2020) More on hepatitis C
  • Women, if you are sexually active and at increased risk (for example a new or more than one sex partner, or a past STI): should I be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea? USPSTF: 25 and older, grade B; how often: No set interval; test again if new or ongoing risk factors since the last negative test. (USPSTF, 2021) More on chlamydia and gonorrhea (25 and older)

Past the grade A and B ages, the same USPSTF statements say:

See screenings at 75, or plan for a woman of 75 or a man of 75.

What to bring

From the same Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality tips: (AHRQ, 2024)

  • all the medicines you take, including non-prescription medicines, vitamins and supplements;
  • your current conditions, past surgeries and illnesses;
  • your questions, written down.

For screening it also helps to know the dates and results of past tests, and which relatives had cancer and at what age (see family history and screening). Only your doctor can say what these mean for you.

Questions people ask

What should I ask my doctor about screening at a checkup?

Start with the tests due at your age: blood pressure at every adult age; cervical screening for women from 21; mammograms for women from 40; colorectal screening from 45; and, depending on risk, lung, bone and aortic aneurysm checks later. For any test, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality suggests asking what it is for, how it is done, how to get ready and when you will get the results. (USPSTF list) (AHRQ, 2020) (AHRQ, 2024)

What should I bring to the appointment?

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality suggests bringing all your medicines, including non-prescription ones, vitamins and supplements; knowing your current conditions, past surgeries and illnesses; and writing your questions down before the visit. (AHRQ, 2024)

Do I need every test on this list?

No. Several apply only with a risk factor, such as smoking history, overweight, or a family history of certain cancers, and the lists are for people at average risk. Your doctor decides which tests fit you. (USPSTF list)

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