Health Screenings in Your 30s and 40s
Nobody wants to admit they’re getting older, which may be part of the reason that some people tend to avoid the doctor even when it’s recommended that they go regularly.
As you progress into your 30s and 40s, however, regular checkups with a primary care provider can be the key to feeling your best later in life. After all, this is the time when you can detect issues early and address them before they become a bigger problem.
“It’s recommended to do a checkup with a physical exam at least once a year,” says Grettel Garcia, M.D., an internal medicine specialist with UHealth—University of Miami Health System. “This allows screenings to take place and pick up on risks and asymptomatic conditions. It also allows a relationship to build with your doctor, so that the patient feels comfortable addressing other issues, including more sensitive topics such as mental health and sexual health.”
Appointments in your 30s
In your 30s, regular health screenings are typically focused on catching any “silent” issues and addressing them early.
“The 30s and 40s can see some metabolic shifts, weight gain and new hormonal changes for men and women,” says Dr. Garcia. “Silent conditions such as high blood pressure can be picked up during a visit. Screening for metabolic disorders, such as high sugar or cholesterol, can be seen then, as well. For women, these ages are associated with childbearing, which can have big impacts on their health.”
Annual screenings may include:
- Comprehensive physical exam
- Cardiovascular evaluation
- Height, weight and BMI
- Blood pressure check
- Depression screening
- Breast exam (for women)
- Testicular cancer screening
Screenings that can be scheduled every two to five years, or as recommended by your doctor, include a cholesterol check, blood sugar test, eye exam and HPV and pap tests (for women).
If you have a family history of cancer, Dr. Garcia adds that cancer screening may also begin in your 30s.
Appointments in your 40s
As you progress from your 30s into your 40s, some of the regular checks mentioned above should continue, as well as additional screenings for breast and colon cancer.
“In your 40s, we can screen for clinical symptoms of hormonal changes, mental health, weight and other factors,” says Dr. Garcia. “Breast cancer screening is recommended for women starting at age 40. At age 45, colorectal screening in asymptomatic patients even without family history is recommended for both men and women. This can be done with a colonoscopy or Cologuard.”
A full-body skin exam is also recommended at your annual checkup in your 40s to check for signs of skin cancer. Your primary care provider may advise you to receive other or more frequent screenings depending on your current health status or family history of certain diseases.
My advice is to find a primary care doctor, foster a relationship and stay up to date on screenings.
Dr. Grettel Garcia
A lifetime of good health
Though maintaining good health can get more challenging as you age, you can set the tone for your health and longevity later in life by taking action about it in your 30s and 40s. With regular recommended screenings, you can make sure your health is headed in the right direction and take the appropriate steps if anything seems amiss.
“My advice is to find a primary care doctor, foster a relationship and stay up to date on screenings,” says Dr. Garcia. “Identify any risk factors in your life, whether it’s due to genetic risk, lifestyle or active conditions, and create a plan together with your primary care provider for monitoring them. This will help you personalize your medical care and make it a team effort.”
Written by Wyatt Myers. Reviewed by Grettel Garcia Ruiz, M.D.
Tags: annual check-up, annual exam, cancer screening, Colorectal Cancer Screening, Dr. Grettel Garcia, high blood pressure, HPV, hypertension, metabolic disorder, Pap smear, skin cancer prevention
