Time for a Checkup

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Why Regular Checkups are Important

Regular checkups are essential for maintaining good health and early detection of potential issues. Here are the key reasons why scheduling regular medical checkups is crucial:

  • Early Detection of Health Issues: Regular visits allow doctors to detect early signs of illnesses, which can be treated more effectively when caught early.
  • Preventive Care: Doctors can provide vaccinations, screenings, and lifestyle advice to prevent diseases before they develop.
  • Management of Existing Conditions: For those with chronic conditions, regular checkups help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
  • Personalized Health Advice: Your doctor can offer tailored advice based on your unique health profile, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.

Keep your health on track with regular checkups tailored to your age and needs.

Regular medical checkups are essential for early detection and prevention of health issues. The frequency and type of checkups needed can vary based on age and gender, ensuring that each individual receives personalized care tailored to their unique health needs.


You can use our Medical Check-Up Checklist to help you stay informed about your health status and take proactive steps to maintain your well-being.

In Your 20s

Women

  • Eye Exam: At least 1 between ages 20-29
  • Clinical Breast Exam: Every 3 years
  • Pap Smear: Every 1-3 years starting at 21 (or earlier if sexually active)
  • Pelvic Exam: Yearly until age 25 if sexually active, then any time you have new partners
  • Yearly Chlamydia Test: Until age 25 if sexually active

Men

  • Eye Exam: At least 1 between ages 20-29
  • Testicular Exam: Ask your doctor, starting at 18

In Your 30s

Women

  • Eye Exam: At least 2 between ages 30-39
  • Thyroid Test: Every 5 years, starting at age 35

Continuing Care

  • Clinical Breast Exam
  • Pap Smear
  • Pelvic exam

Men

  • Eye Exam: At least 2 between ages 30-39

In Your 40s

Women

  • Eye Exam: Every 2-4 years
  • Bone Density: Ask your doctor starting at age 40
  • Glucose Test for Diabetes: Every 3 years starting at age 45
  • Mammogram: Yearly for women over 40
  • Thyroid Test: Every 5 years, starting at age 35

Continuing Care

  • Clinical Breast Exam
  • Pap Smear
  • Pelvic exam
  • Thyroid Test

Men

  • Eye Exam: Every 2-4 years
  • Blood Glucose Test for Diabetes: Every 3 years starting at age 45
  • Bone Density Test: Ask your doctor starting at age 40
  • Digital Rectal Exam: Ask your doctor starting at age 40
  • Prostate Screening: Ask your doctor starting at age 40

In Your 50s

Women

  • Colorectal Screenings: Yearly fecal occult blood test OR 
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years OR
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years

Continuing Care

  • Eye Exam
  • Clinical Breast Exam 
  • Pap Smear
  • Pelvic Exam
  • Thyroid Test
  • Bone Density
  • Blood Glucose

Men

  • Colorectal Screenings: Yearly fecal occult blood test OR 
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years OR
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years

Continuing Care

  • Eye Exam
  • Bone Density
  • Blood Glucose
  • Digital Rectal Exam
  • Prostate Screening

In Your 60s & Up

Women

  • Eye Exam: Every 1-2 years starting at age 65
  • Colorectal Screening: Discuss with your doctor if you’re older than 75

Continuing Care

  • Clinical Breast Exam 
  • Pap Smear
  • Pelvic Exam
  • Thyroid Test
  • Bone Density
  • Blood Glucose

Men

  • Eye Exam: Every 1-2 years starting at age 65
  • Colorectal Screening: Discuss with your doctor if you’re older than 75

Continuing Care

  • Bone Density
  • Blood Glucose
  • Digital Rectal Exam
  • Prostate Screening

Feel prepared for every appointment

Carrying the right information can empower you during your cancer care journey. Use these tools to help organize this information so you can be an active participant in your cancer care.

Keep them handy for use at home and bring them along to your doctor visits and other medical appointments.

#KnowCancer Tip

Update your information and checklist after each appointment to keep track of your progress and prepare for your next visit. Being organized is a key step in navigating your cancer care with confidence.

Essentials Checklist

  • Important Contacts: Include your healthcare team's phone numbers and email addresses.
  • Health and Treatment History: A brief summary of your diagnosis, treatment plans, and any past procedures or surgeries.
  • Copies of Reports: Bring recent blood tests, pathology reports, and any other relevant medical records.
  • Calendar: Your schedule of upcoming appointments, treatments, and tests.
  • Progress Notes: Observations about your symptoms, side effects, and any changes in your condition.
  • Questions: A list of questions or concerns you have for your healthcare provider. Don't hesitate to ask anything that's on your mind.
  • Insurance Information: Your insurance card and any necessary authorization forms or documents.

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