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Preventive
Health Screenings

A simple way to check in on your
health and stay feeling your best.

How to Schedule a Screening See Recommended Screenings

Know more and worry less with regular health screenings

Staying ahead of your health starts with regular preventive screenings. These essential checkups help catch potential issues early, support long-term wellness and empower you to make informed decisions about your care. Prioritizing screenings now can lead to a healthier future with fewer surprises along the way.

How to schedule a health screening

Most preventive health screenings at OhioHealth must be scheduled through a primary care provider or specialist.

Overview of recommended screenings

Not sure which screenings you need? This overview highlights the most important recommendations for men and women.

Recommended screenings for women

Physical exam

A thorough check of overall health status and well-being should be scheduled:

  • Every three years for women 19-39
  • Every two years for women 40-49
  • Every year for women 50+
Blood pressure

High blood pressure has no symptoms but can cause permanent damage to organs. It should be checked every year for women of all ages.

Blood and urine tests

Screen for cholesterol, diabetes, kidney and thyroid problems before symptoms occur.

  • Every three years for women 19-39
  • Every two years for women 40-49
  • Every year for women 50+
EKG

An electrocardiogram (EKG) test checks your heart rhythm to screen for problems.

  • Baseline screening at age 30
  • Every four years for women 40-49
  • Every three years for women 50+
Preventive dental care exam

Dental care impacts your entire body. Daily brushing and flossing along with routine dental exams can prevent tooth decay and even disease.

  • Every six months for women of all ages.
Hearing and vision

Recommended to be checked every year for women of all ages.

Bone health

A bone mineral density (BMT) test should be obtained at least once for all post-menopausal females to screen for bone loss.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Discuss a need for testing with your primary care provider if you are concerned about exposure or symptoms.

Oral health and cancer

A mouth and throat exam should be scheduled every year for women of all ages.

Self-exams

It recommended that every month, women self-exam their breast to find abnormal lumps and their skin to look for signs of changing moles, freckles or sunspots. Discuss any findings with your primary care provider.

Colon, rectal health and cancer

A screening colonoscopy is the preferred exam to prevent cancer. It should be scheduled:

  • Beginning at age 45
  • Every 10 years or more often based on results

Multiple screening options are available for most patients.

Lung health and cancer

A low-dose chest CT scan is recommended for current or former smokers between ages 50-80. Smokers must have 20+ pack years and former smokers must have quit within the last 15 years. It is important to note that you may not have lung cancer symptoms. 

If you meet these criteria, please talk to your primary care provider about getting screened.

Breast health and cancer screening

A clinical breast exam by a physician should be scheduled every year for women of all ages.

Screening mammogram

This X-ray of the breast can reveal nearly 90% of breast cancers as early as two years before a lump can be felt, giving you the best chance for successful treatment. Screenings should be scheduled every year beginning at age 40.

OhioHealth offers online scheduling for mammograms.

Reproductive health and cervical cancer

A gynecological pelvic exam and Pap smear should be scheduled:

  • Beginning at age 21
  • Every three years for women 21-65
  • Or every 5 years for women 30-65 if Pap smear is combined with HPV testing
Skin

Every month, check your body for changing moles, freckles or sunspots. Discuss any abnormal findings with your provider. If you don't have a dermatologist, talk to your primary care provider about finding one.

Recommended screenings for men

Physical exam

A thorough check of overall health status and well-being, including a testicular exam, should be scheduled:

  • Every three years for men 19-39
  • Every two years for men 40-49
  • Every year for men 50+
Blood pressure

High blood pressure has no symptoms but can cause permanent damage to organs. It should be checked every year for men of all ages.

Blood and urine tests

Screen for cholesterol, diabetes, kidney and thyroid problems before symptoms occur.

  • Every three years for men 19-39
  • Every two years for men 40-49
  • Every year for men 50+
EKG

An electrocardiogram (EKG) test checks your heart rhythm to screen for problems.

  • Baseline screening at age 30
  • Every four years for men 40-49
  • Every three years for men 50+
Preventive dental care exam

Dental care impacts your entire body. Daily brushing and flossing along with routine dental exams can prevent tooth decay and even disease.

  • Every six months for men of all ages.
Hearing and vision

Recommended to be checked every year for men of all ages.

Bone health

A baseline bone mineral density (BMT) test should be obtained at least once for all men at age 70 to screen for bone loss.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Discuss a need for testing with your primary care provider if you are concerned about exposure or symptoms.

Oral health and cancer

A mouth and throat exam should be scheduled every year for men of all ages.

Self-exams

It recommended that every month, men self-exam their testicles and breasts to find abnormal lumps, and their skin to look for signs of changing moles, freckles or sunspots. Discuss any findings with your primary care provider.

Colon, rectal health and cancer

A screening colonoscopy is the preferred exam to prevent cancer. It should be scheduled:

  • Beginning at age 45
  • Every 10 years or more often based on results

Multiple screening options are available for most patients.

Lung health and cancer

A low-dose chest CT scan is recommended for current or former smokers between ages 50-80. Smokers must have 20+ pack years and former smokers must have quit within the last 15 years. It is important to note that you may not have lung cancer symptoms.

If you meet these criteria, please talk to your primary care provider about getting screened.

Prostate health and cancer screening

A baseline prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) by a physician should be scheduled between ages 45-49, then annually or less often depending on your results and risk.

Discuss your risk level and screening options with your primary care provider.

Skin

Every month, check your body for changing moles, freckles or sunspots. Discuss any abnormal findings with your provider. If you don't have a dermatologist, talk to your primary care provider about finding one.

Frequently asked questions